The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has ordered the prosecution of two healthcare facilities, their directors, and several employees after investigations uncovered fraudulent claims amounting to millions of shillings under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
According to findings from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the two institutions St Mark Orthodox Hospital in Vihiga County and Jambo Jipya Medical Clinic in Kilifi County allegedly submitted falsified medical claims that resulted in irregular payments from the SHA. The ODPP, after conducting an independent review of the inquiry files, sanctioned multiple criminal charges against the institutions and the implicated individuals.
Investigations revealed that St Mark Orthodox Hospital fraudulently submitted claims totalling Ksh. 4,916,800, despite the legitimate amount being only Ksh. 18,000. The hospital is now facing charges of conspiracy to defraud, cheating, acquisition of proceeds of crime, and falsification of health documents. Two of its directors, Desouza Fenley and Mark Dhilion Sydon, are also facing individual charges related to the fraudulent activities.
In addition, Sammy Otieno, an employee of the Social Health Authority, was found to have colluded with the hospital and will face charges of conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to commit a felony. His involvement highlights the internal complicity that has raised concerns over corruption within the national health insurance system.
In Kilifi County, Jambo Jipya Medical Clinic and its directors, Patrick Kimuyu Kanya and Faith Chepkururi Bii, are accused of fraudulently claiming Ksh. 2,032,680. They face charges including conspiracy to commit a felony, fraudulent alteration of information, cheating, and acquisition of proceeds of crime. Several employees of the clinic among them Steven Okinyi Ojwang, Justine Baraka Glen, Maina Macharia, Pauline Wanjiru, and Nadia Mbeyu will also be prosecuted for offences such as forgery, uttering false documents, and making false statements.
The ODPP reaffirmed its commitment to upholding justice and accountability in the management of public resources. This latest directive signals a renewed effort to combat corruption in the healthcare sector and protect the integrity of Kenya’s Social Health Authority. The prosecutions are expected to serve as a strong deterrent against fraudulent practices that undermine access to quality healthcare services.
