Health, Community Development, Gender, the Elderly and Children minister Ummy Mwalimu.
Health, Community Development, Gender, the Elderly and Children minister Ummy Mwalimu yesterday suspended NHIF acting director general Michael Mhando and three other top officials over the alleged loss of about Sh3 billion from the fund’s account in Mara Region.
This follows an investigation by the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) which revealed that the money was stolen from the NHIF account over a period of three years from April 2013.
Mr Michael Mhando was shown the door alongside the director of Finance and Economic Resources, Mr Deusdedit Rutaaza, and the Information Technology director, Mr Ally Othman. The NHIF internal auditor, Ms Anne Maneno, was one of the suspended officials.
Ms Mwalimu ordered a special audit by the Controller and Auditor General into the NHIF general account in an effort to protect the image of the fund.
According to a media statement released yesterday, Ms Mwalimu suspended the NHIF officials to pave the way for an investigation into the alleged loss of the funds which were meant for payment of claims of the NHIF members.
She urged heads of departments and directors of public insitutions falling under her docket to refrain from corrupt practices and create a foundation for rooting out the vice instead.
Last month, the NHIF was in the news over a Sh3 billon scandal that was said to have led to a councillor for Iringo Ward in Mara Region, Mr Juma Hamisi, to flee.
There was an ongoing investigation by the PCCB before the latest sacking of the top officials came to the fore. The PCCB boss in Mara, Mr Holle Makungu, said last month that the Bureau was interviewing various sources to establish those who were behind the fraud.
Source:TheCitizen
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