Nyong'o has been accused of abetting corruption/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 4 – The circus at the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) continued Friday after the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) withdrew its representative from the board and demanded the sacking of Medical Services Minister Anyang’ Nyong’o over corruption allegations.
Withdrawing Ben Okwaro from the board, COTU Deputy Secretary General George Muchai accused Nyong’o of abetting corruption through dubious payments of millions of shillings by NHIF to uninspected clinics.
COTU also wants the entire NHIF board disbanded and the gazette notice that effected the new NHIF rates cancelled.
Speaking elsewhere, Medical Services Assistant Minister Kambi Kazungu also differed with Nyong’o saying he should not have suspended NHIF Chairman Richard Muga.
He wants Muga reinstated immediately and NHIF Chief Executive Officer Richard Kerich sent packing.
Kazungu says Nyong’o has not been consulting him over the NHIF deal and reads mischief.
He now wants the government to launch a probe on the dealings at NHIF saying something is fishy.
When we contacted the Ministry of Medical Services, a Personal Assistant to Nyong’o said the minister stood by his position to suspend Muga.
He said Nyong’o did not need to consult anyone (including his assistant minister) before taking such action. He said he was forced to take the drastic step to ensure work continues smoothly at the national insurer.
Nyong’o, who left the country minutes after the fiasco unfolded for South Africa, said he will address the matter fully once he is back in the country.
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