It’s an early Christmas break for the two bosses at the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) after a statement from the board directed that the two be sent on compulsory leave. NHIF Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Mwangi and Finance Director Wilbert Kurgat were today suspended over the ongoing investigation at the State-run health insurer.
“The Board of Management of National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) has unanimously resolved to send the current Chief Executive Officer Mr. Geoffrey Mwangi and The Acting Director, Finance and Investments Mr. Wilbert Kurgat on compulsory leave pending the consideration of the Public Officer’s case under the Public Service Commission Act, No. 10 of 2017,” the board Chairperson said.
The announcement was made by the NHIF Board Chairperson Hannah Muriithi after a morning meeting held today morning building up to the arrest of the two officials who are facing charges of frustrating a police investigation on alleged corrupt activities at the organisation.
The two bosses were arrested on Friday by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and charged on Monday for allegedly refusing to surrender documents such as payment vouchers that the police considered useful in the investigations.
Hannah Muriithi in her announcement said that the two will remain on compulsory leave until their cases are concluded in what appears to seal their fate of ever going back to office, given that they are yet to face serious charges if investigations point to their culpability.
Following the compulsory leave order notice, the board has appointed now named Nicodemus Odongo as the acting Chief Executive Office. Mr. Odongo currently holds the position of Director Strategy, Planning & Marketing at the National Health Insurance Fund.
To replace Wilbert Kurgat, the board has also appointed Benard Njenga who is in charge of Management Accounting as the acting Finance and Investment Director.
“We assure all our stakeholders, our members and partners that NHIF will continue to discharge its mandate and responsibilities without disruption,” the board Chairperson said.
If only all other organizations would follow suit and suspend individuals who hold public office and are facing charged.
Do you support the NHIF Board’s decision to send the two bosses on compulsory leave?