Eight individuals and a medical facility have been charged for allegedly defrauding the Social Health Authority (SHA) of Sh7 million, marking a key move in Kenya’s efforts to curb corruption in the health sector.
The case was presented in court on October 6, 2025, highlighting increasing scrutiny on health facilities that handle public funds.
The accused include Markdhillion Mutsotso of St. Mark Orthodox Health Centre Limited, Sammy Otieno, Patrick Kanya and Faith Chepkurui of Jambo Jipya Medical Clinic, clinical officers Steven Okinyi and Justine Baraka, nurse Pauline Wanjiru, and receptionist Naida Mbeyu. Jambo Jipya Medical Clinic was also listed as a defendant.
According to prosecutors, the group faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit a felony, fraudulent alteration and falsification of information, acquisition and use of proceeds of crime, cheating, forgery, uttering false documents, and falsification of health records.
“The eight individuals and the health facility are charged with the fraudulent acquisition of Sh7 million from the Social Health Authority,” stated a prosecution brief detailing the allegations.
Court proceedings revealed that Patrick Kanya, Faith Chepkurui, Steven Okinyi, Justine Baraka, Pauline Wanjiru, Naida Mbeyu, and Jambo Jipya Medical Clinic allegedly falsified medical information, leading to irregular payments of Sh2,032,680 from SHA.
These activities reportedly occurred between November 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, at the clinic in Mtwapa, Kilifi County.
Separately, Markdhillion Mutsotso is accused of conspiring to defraud SHA of Sh5,128,400 between October 2024 and June 2025 at St. Mark Orthodox Health Centre Limited in Chavakali, Vihiga County.
All defendants appeared before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court set bonds of Sh600,000 for each accused, pending the next stage of the proceedings.
Investigations indicate that the offences involved deliberate falsification of health records and submission of fake documents to the authority to obtain payments not rightfully owed.
The case underscores the government’s drive to protect public funds and ensure transparency within health services.
Chief Magistrate Onyina directed that the case be mentioned on October 21, 2025, for further instructions, with all accused remaining out on bond until then. Legal proceedings will continue later this month as the court prepares for trial.