SHA Denies Firing Whistleblower Andrew Rotich Amid Recruitment Row

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has dismissed claims that whistleblower Andrew Kipkurui Rotich was fired following his exposure of a multibillion-shilling fraud scheme within the healthcare system.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 1, SHA Chairperson Abdi Mohamed clarified that Rotich remains an employee of the public service, currently serving as a Senior Officer under transitional arrangements.

“Mr. Rotich has not lost his job. He remains an employee of the public service deployed to SHA, currently holding the position of Senior Officer. His temporary deployment and tenure are protected under transitional arrangements,” Mohamed said.

Rotich, who previously served as Deputy Director of Forensic Audit and Risk Assurance, saw his appointment nullified by the court on May 29, 2025. SHA subsequently initiated a fresh recruitment process for senior positions, but Mohamed noted that Rotich did not reapply for his former role.

“Records confirm that Mr. Rotich did not apply for the Deputy Director, Internal Audit position in this exercise. He submitted only one application for the position of Assistant Director, Internal Audit,” Mohamed explained, adding that no formal appeal had been lodged by Rotich.

The clarification comes after the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) raised concerns over SHA’s recruitment process, urging an independent inquiry. The institute warned that the perceived sidelining of Rotich and two other deputy directors risked discouraging professionals from speaking out on corruption.

Rotich came to the spotlight earlier this year after exposing a massive billing fraud scheme, which led to the closure of more than 1,300 rogue hospitals implicated in false claims against SHA. His revelations triggered widespread reforms in Kenya’s health financing system but also placed him under intense public scrutiny.

“If left unaddressed, such developments could inadvertently discourage professionals from speaking out in accountability matters,” ICPAK cautioned, further urging the government to guarantee Rotich’s safety and that of other whistleblowers.

As the recruitment row unfolds, SHA insists that its processes remain transparent, while pressure mounts on authorities to ensure that whistleblowers are shielded from retaliation in the fight against graft.