Ex-SHA bosses among nine arrested as DCI cracks down on Sh17 million health fund scandal

Social Health Authority (SHA) headquarters in Nairobi. (Photo: SHA)

By Mary Wambui
Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Detectives say the suspects, including former SHA bosses, conspired with clinic owners to siphon millions through falsified medical claims.

DCI detectives have arrested nine additional suspects in the ongoing investigation into fraudulent activities involving individuals and organisations linked to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the nine suspects—whose files have been approved by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for prosecution—will remain in custody pending their arraignment at the Milimani Law Courts tomorrow.

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Those arrested include Robert Ingasira, the former acting SHA CEO and former Finance Manager, who was apprehended today in Naivasha. His co-accused, Elijah Wachira, the former SHA CEO, is yet to be arrested.

Mr Ingasira served as acting CEO after Mr Wachira’s departure until April this year, when Dr Mercy Mwangangi took over the position. He faces charges of conspiracy to defraud contrary to section 317 of the Penal Code, misappropriation of funds contrary to section 48(2) of the SHI Act, and abuse of office contrary to section 101 of the Penal Code. The case involves Sh17,591,473, allegedly misappropriated at Archprime Medical Clinic in Homa Bay County.

Mr Wachira faces similar charges for allegedly authorising payments to a non-contracted health facility under a deal signed in May this year.

Compulsory leave

In November last year, Wachira was sent on a 90-day compulsory leave to allow investigations into his professional conduct and performance. The SHA Board said the decision aimed to facilitate a thorough inquiry into his actions during his tenure.

Other suspects include Justus Odhiambo Ouma and Vera Atieno Otieno of Vebeneza Enterprise Medical Clinic in Nairobi. They are accused of conspiracy to defraud contrary to section 317 of the Penal Code, cheating contrary to section 315, uttering false documents contrary to section 353, and several offences under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA), including acquisition and use of proceeds of crime.

At Archprime Medical Clinic in Oyugis, Homa Bay County, Rosemary Daraja, Peter Abuna, and Robert Ingasira face multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud, falsification of information, misappropriation of funds, abuse of office, and uttering false documents, in connection with the Sh17,591,473 case.

At Rachuonyo East Sub-County Hospital, Bill Clinton Ochieng, Cynthia Odhiambo, and Phelix Otieno are accused of cheating contrary to section 315 of the Penal Code and falsifying health documents contrary to section 48(3) of the SHI Act.

In a separate case, Noah Odhiambo Were from Nyatoto Health Centre faces charges of conspiracy to defraud, falsification of documents, and several POCAMLA-related offences involving the acquisition and use of proceeds of crime, as well as uttering false documents.

Suspected healthcare fraud

A multi-agency team led by DCI detectives began investigating SHA fraud last month after receiving 1,188 files from the authority and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) relating to suspected healthcare fraud.

Earlier this month, seven suspects were arraigned over a Sh7 million SHA fraud involving falsified medical claims.

The accused were Markdhillion Mutsotso of St. Mark Orthodox Health Centre; Patrick Kanya and Faith Chepkurui, directors of Jambo Jipya Medical Clinic; Steven Okinyi and Justine Baraka, both clinical officers; Pauline Wanjiru, a nurse; and Naida Mbeyu, a receptionist.