A senior official linked to the country’s health regulation system is now at the center of a major fraud investigation touching on the Social Health Authority.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have arrested Harun Liluma, an interdicted staff member of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, over alleged fraudulent activities targeting the Social Health Authority.
Liluma was arrested on Thursday, February 26, as part of ongoing investigations into irregular dealings within the country’s revamped universal health coverage system.
Authorities say he is expected to appear before the Milimani Law Courts to face three charges: conspiracy to defraud, abuse of office and computer fraud.
According to investigators, Liluma is suspected of misusing his position at the medical council to influence the registration process of certain health facilities. Detectives believe this may have allowed some clinics that were either unlicensed or fictitious to be entered into official systems.
These facilities are said to have submitted questionable claims under SHA, leading to payments from public funds that were meant to support genuine healthcare services for citizens.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters. Photo Courtesy | Daily Nation.
The charges were approved by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, after reviewing files submitted by the DCI. His office determined that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution.
Investigators say the arrest is not an isolated case. The probe has reportedly widened to include owners and directors of at least eight health facilities accused of running unlicensed operations, submitting false claims and obtaining money under false pretenses.
Authorities believe such actions may have weakened public trust in the new health financing system.
The DCI stated that the operation reflects a firm commitment to protect public resources and ensure that funds collected from hardworking Kenyans are used for the right purpose. Officials warned that anyone found abusing the system will face the law.
Members of the public have been encouraged to report any suspected fraud linked to SHA through the authority’s toll free number 147, as investigations continue.