Probe on NHIF boss still on

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission vice-chairperson Irene Keino addresses journalists at EACC offices in Nairobi on January 10, 2013. Photo/ANTHONY OMUYA  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission vice-chairperson Irene Keino addresses journalists at EACC offices in Nairobi on January 10, 2013. Photo/ANTHONY OMUYA  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By VINCENT AGOYA vagoya@ke.nationmedia.com and JOHN NJAGI

In Summary

• EACC says it is not privy to EMU’s report that let Kerich off the hook

The anti-corruption watchdog has distanced itself from a report absolving former National Health Insurance Fund boss Richard Kerich of involvement in the mismanagement of a Sh4.2 billion civil servants medical scheme.

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) vice-chairperson Irene Keino on Thursday said the commission was not “privy to any clearance of persons under investigations by State organs involved in the probe”. She said the final findings were yet to be tabled for action.

Mr Kerich was suspended in May 2012 over allegations of irregular payments to Meridian and Clinix clinics and other health service providers contracted to provide outpatient services to civil servants and disciplined forces.

Ms Keino said it was regrettable that the units that undertook the investigations were not coordinating and termed the Efficiency Monitoring Unit (EMU) report that cleared Mr Kerich “premature”.

“Several State agencies were conducting investigations independently and it is thus imperative that any clearance of persons in this saga should involve all investigating agencies,” she told journalists at the Integrity Centre in Nairobi. “The commission wishes to inform the public that it initiated investigations into the allegations of irregular payments and award of contract to Meridian and Clinix for the provision of outpatient medical services and is in the process of finalising investigations.”

A section of MPs reportedly demanded the reinstatement of the former NHIF CEO having been cleared by the EMU.

Ms Keino said once investigations were complete, a report and recommendations to the director of public prosecutions would be tabled for “further action.”

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) has opposed MPs’ demands that Mr Kerich be reinstated.

In a statement signed by Cotu secretary-general Francis Atwoli, the workers umbrella body termed the push to reinstate the former CEO as unfortunate and suspicious.

Mr Atwoli said EMU’s report exonerating Mr Kerich was not enough evidence to have him returned to his position.

“We reject in total and rubbish accordingly the said report,” read the statement.

Cotu claimed its demands to have other investigative agencies such as CID, PricewaterhouseCoopers and EACC handle the matter had been ignored.

Mr Atwoli termed the EMU report as self-serving and skewed, and opposed its use in clearing the former NHIF boss.

At the same time, the Cotu chief hit out at three MPs, whom he accused of asking him to soften his stand on the NHIF saga, saying they did not deserve to be re-elected.

“I appeal to the constituents of Nyando, Nyatike and Eldoret South to reject them in the coming polls as I can confirm that these very same individuals have approached me, asking me to soften my stand on the NHIF saga,” he said.

He also appealed to Cord and Jubilee alliances not to issue the said MPs with nomination certificates