NHIF Heist: Whistle-blower Claims Life in Danger

Mr Salesio Thuranira is fearing for his life after receiving threats for exposing hospitals using the national insurance scheme to scam elderly patients with arthritis, causing some to be maimed and others to be charged for services not rendered. 

The threats came three days after the medical scam was reported on NTV. In an interview with the media, the human rights activist from Meru said his wife had been contacted by an unidentified individual who ominously declared that she would soon be seeking justice as a widow. He reported the incident to Nkubu Police Station under OB 24/21/06/2023. 

"I reported the incident and recorded a statement with the police. This is a direct threat to my life and I suspect it is related to the NHIF (National Health Insurance Fund) scandal. I am calling on the government to protect me," said Mr Thuranira. 

Last year, Mr Thuranira sounded the alarm on social media about the medical scam and then reported the same to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the NHIF Fraud Unit, but nothing was done. In April, he petitioned the Meru County Assembly to look into claims of mistreatment of elderly individuals. The petition was channelled to the Health Committee, which initiated an inquiry. 

The petition names six people who represented residents who claimed to have been deceived by the five hospitals mentioned in the petition. Following the exposé by NTV, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha ordered the closure of the five hospitals and initiated investigations.  The Cabinet Secretary ordered the NHIF directors from the affected areas to step aside to allow for investigations. In addition, a lifestyle audit of the NHIF staff was also ordered to increase the transparency of the organization.

NHIF also suspended its agreement with the six hospitals in question for 90 days while the inquiry goes on. It is predicted that the inquiry into the fraudulent occurrence will be concluded by the end of the week.