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By Roselyne Obala
Nairobi, Kenya: Officers implicated in the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) scandal and directors of two companies involved will be prosecuted soon.
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has disclosed that within two weeks, the commission will have completed and submitted the file to the Office of the Director of Prosecution (DPP) Keriako Tobiko for legal action.
The commission’s Deputy Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer Michael Mubea confirmed that they have a good case and those implicated will face the law.
“The directors who looted, staff of NHIF will face the same pact. We are taking to court even the directors of the two companies,” Mubea said.
While appearing before the National Assembly committee on Health at Continental House, he stressed that any officer charged in a court of law must leave office.
“Those charged in a court of law should forthwith be suspended from employment in accordance with the law,” he added.
This directive comes amidst concerns that some National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) officers implicated in graft are still in office.
At the same time, the commission took issues with the judiciary, stating that the courts are an impediment in the efforts to fight graft.
“Courts are used to frustrate the EACC .We have raised the matter with Chief Justice Willy Mutunga,” said Mubea.
The Committee’s chairperson Rachael Nyamai and Seme MP James Nyikal inquired the whereabouts of employee of NHIF implicated in medical cover scam with Meridian and Clinix.
Mubea told the lawmakers he was surprised to discover that George Jalango Midiwo who is among NHIF officers implicated in graft is still in office.
“EACC will pursue this matter with NHIF CEO to inquire why he has not been suspended,” he stated.
Those implicated include former national health insurer boss Richard Kerich, NHIF assistant manager David Chingi , Marwa Chacha and directors of Meridian Medical Centre Peter Wambugu and Ndiba Wairioko over the loss of Sh116.9 million from the Sh4.3 billion for civil servants and disciplined forces.
“The recovery of assets has seen EACC recover Sh 100billon a month ago and restored back to the state,” Mubea disclosed.
He continued “The recovery proceeds of crime Act, which gives the AG Githu Muigai powers to recover stolen property has enabled us have a holistic approach through EACC and DPP.
He argued that the commission is committed to undertake its mandate in an efficient and effective manner.
Embakasi North James Gakuya demanded to know if the two companies contracts were terminated by the government and recovery of the irregularly paid bills made.
“EACC is not aware if the contracts were termination of contracts, NHIF will be best suited to give accurate position,” Mubea said.
Mubea defended the commission’s slow Investigations, arguing that the matter came up in May, 2012 and delayed by the appointment of the CEO and chairman.
He continued, “We shall not let Kenyans down, however the war on graft is a collective responsibility for all not the commission alone.
The committee chairperson tasked the EACC to explain the process of its investigations on the loss of close to sh1billion that was squandered by the interim board.
“There was over sh900billion in the account at the time the board that took over from Dr Richard Muga’s team was removed,” she noted.
Pukose stressed that the committee has information that the monies was transferred to an individual account.
“We are yet to get information on the matter but will pursue it,” assured Mubea.
Mubea told the committee that their initial budget of Sh1.6billion was slashed to Sh1. 3billion, which is insufficient.
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