Herman Manyora Denies Sh516,000 Tender Fraud Charges

Political analyst and academic Herman Manyora has been charged in connection with an alleged fraudulent tender scheme involving Nairobi Hospital.

Manyora appeared before the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on Wednesday, where he denied one count of cheating under Section 315 of the Penal Code. The charge relates to allegations that he obtained Sh516,000 from a businesswoman by claiming he could facilitate the award of an engineering tender at the hospital.

Principal Magistrate Paul Mutai released him on a personal bond of Sh2 million, requiring him to provide two contact persons. The prosecution, led by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, states that between mid-August and late October 2024, Manyora misrepresented his ability to influence the hospital’s tendering process. 

Court documents indicate that the complainant, Josphine Luceno Kavulani, paid the money as a facilitation fee to help her company, Sipho Construction Limited, secure a contract. Prosecutors argue the payment would not have been made without the alleged misrepresentation.

The case follows investigations by the Economic and Commercial Crimes Unit of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, reflecting broader scrutiny of procurement and leadership practices at the hospital. Several witnesses, including Kavulani, are expected to testify as the prosecution presents its case.

Manyora’s legal team has rejected the allegations, describing them as part of a wider dispute involving the hospital’s board. They argue that he has been drawn into an ongoing internal conflict within the institution. His lawyers also told the court that he is not a flight risk, citing his age and professional background.

The charges arise amid continued governance challenges at Nairobi Hospital, including boardroom disputes, leadership changes and legal proceedings. Manyora became chair of the Kenya Hospital Association board in 2025 after a contested transition that involved court intervention.

The court has set April 13 for mention, when further directions on the case are expected.