DCI boss Mohamed Amin. /FILE
Five suspects will be arraigned on Monday in connection with a widening investigation into a multi-million-shilling healthcare fraud syndicate at the Social Health Authority, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has said.
The suspects, who were arrested following weeks of investigations, will face a string of charges ranging from economic crimes to money laundering.
Their arraignment marks the first major breakthrough in a sweeping probe that has placed more than a thousand individuals and organisations under scrutiny for suspected fraud in the health sector.
In a statement signed on his behalf by John Marete, DCI boss Mohamed Amin said the arrests stem from an ongoing review of 1,188 files submitted on September 1, 2025, by SHA and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).
The files detail cases of alleged irregularities, abuse of public health funds, and fraudulent claims that threaten to derail the government’s universal healthcare agenda.
Amin said investigations on each of the files is at various stages.
“The DCI remains resolute in its commitment to stopping healthcare fraud, holding all offenders accountable, and, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, ensuring that all assets and resources acquired fraudulently are recovered,” the statement said.
The suspects are expected to face multiple charges under the Penal Code, the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, the Social Health Insurance Act, and the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
These statutes collectively target corruption, financial impropriety and fraudulent practices that drain resources meant to provide quality healthcare to Kenyans.
The DCI confirmed that the five suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend more individuals linked to the scandal.
The arrests follow approvals by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which reviewed evidence presented by the investigative team.
The agency also disclosed that the investigations are being conducted by a multi-agency team drawn from various state bodies to ensure no loopholes are left unchecked.
The wider operation is expected to unearth more suspects and lead to recovery of assets illegally acquired through healthcare fraud at the multi-billion-shilling national health insurance fund.
To strengthen its fight against fraud, SHA has rolled out a comprehensive digital system built on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a big data fraud engine.
The technology is designed to detect, flag, and prevent suspicious claims in real time, reducing the risk of collusion between patients, healthcare providers, and fraudulent entities.
The system is also expected to enhance transparency and protect taxpayer resources by ensuring it collates irrefutable evidence that's crucial for the successful prosecution of suspects.
The DCI has appealed to the public to support the ongoing efforts by reporting suspicious activities through its toll-free hotline number 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp line 0709 570 000.
The agency emphasised that citizen participation is critical in safeguarding the integrity of the healthcare system and ensuring that every Kenyan has access to quality and affordable services.
“The public will be kept informed on the progress of the investigations through regular updates,” the agency added, underscoring its resolve to pursue justice and accountability.
Arraignment of the five suspects on Monday is expected to set the tone for what could become one of the most significant prosecutions in the country’s health sector in recent years.
President Willian Ruto and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale have vowed to do everything within their power to ensure they rid the health sector of cartels who they blame for defrauding the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
