A procurement officer linked to an alleged fraud case involving KSh 675,000 at Mwai Kibaki Hospital Annex, KNH Othaya, has been arrested as investigations into the matter continue.
The suspect, identified as Bernard Mutegi, was arrested in Chuka by detectives from the Serious Crimes Unit attached to Kenyatta National Hospital. Authorities say the arrest follows the conclusion of investigations into a scheme that allegedly led to the loss of public funds through falsified procurement documents.
According to investigators, the alleged fraud took place between June 30, 2022, and November 8, 2023.
During that period, Mutegi is suspected of participating in a plan that involved the preparation and use of fake delivery notes and payment vouchers. The documents were reportedly created in the name of Fesmat Investments and were used to support claims that aprons had been supplied to the hospital.
Investigators established that the supplies listed in the documents were never delivered. Despite this, the paperwork allegedly facilitated the release of KSh 675,000 from the hospital.
Detectives believe the documents were designed to create the impression that a legitimate procurement process had taken place, leading to the payment for goods that did not exist.
The case was investigated by the Serious Crimes Unit, which gathered evidence and prepared a file for review by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). After examining the findings, the ODPP approved the prosecution of the suspect.
Mutegi is expected to face several charges, including conspiracy to defraud, making a document without authority, and stealing.
These charges stem from allegations that fraudulent documents were created and used to obtain money from the public health facility unlawfully.
Following his arrest, the suspect was placed in custody and is currently undergoing processing before being presented in court.
Authorities have not yet announced the date of his arraignment.Meanwhile, investigators say the probe is far from over.
Detectives are pursuing additional individuals believed to have played a role in the alleged scheme. Some suspects connected to the case are still at large, and efforts to locate and arrest them have been intensified.
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