Outrage over Sh5b health scam, Kitui leaders speak out

Three leaders from Kitui County are now calling on President Uhuru Kenyatta to take stern action against officials in the Ministry of Health involved in the recently revealed Ksh5 billion scandal.

Speaking at Mwingi during a public meeting with town residents, the leaders called on the president to move with speed and ensure that all public money that had been fraudulently obtained is returned and those involved prosecuted.

Addressing Mwingi residents during the event, Kitui Senator David Musila said that Kenya has lost a lot of money from similar scandals, adding that there is need for the president to act if he still wants the people of Kenya to have faith in him.

On his part, Kitui East MP Marcus Muluvi said that the president has to respond on the issue immediately and clear the air.

Muluvi also called on the minister in charge, Cleopa Mailu, and his Permanent Secretary Nicholas Muraguri to resign and pave way for investigations.

Mwingi West MP Bernard Kitungi urged President Kenyatta to fulfill the promises he made to Kenyans during Mashujaa Day aint Machakos and ensure that the few individuals stealing public funds are jailed.

This comes just a day after yet another section of MPs demanded the resignation of senior government officials linked to the unfolding scandal, even as the identities of the individuals behind the companies that obtained millions in questionable deals emerge.

The companies mentioned in the scam include Estama Investments, registered as an EPZ company, and Life Care Medics and are said to be beneficiaries of cash meant for patients, expectant mothers and newborn babies in the free maternity programme offered by the government.

The Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission alongside the Ministry of Health have since set up special teams to investigate the scam saying that their report will be released in 30 days.

Story by Shedrack Ilava