Three health officers who worked at Machakos Level 5 Hospital have been dismissed from their positions after they were caught embezzling public funds.

The trio namely Phelister Luku Muthini, Faith Mumo Itumo and Janet Kavindu Mugeti were sacked by Machakos County Health Officer Daniel Yumbya.

He issued their work termination letters at the Machakos police station as the matter escalated to the extent of involving officers. They have been detained at the station since their discovery and subsequent dismissal.

The three women are accused of editing hospital bills after accepting bribes from patients.

“I was informed that one of a patient’s relatives had arrived at Machakos Level 5 Hospital and issued a bribe to 3 staffers,” Yumbya said while speaking to Machakos media reporters adding that the patient attendant was the link in the corrupt scheme.

“She was bribed Sh. 5,000 while the patient had a pending bill of Sh. 10,800. The money was loaded on M-Pesa and edited.”

Daniel Yumbya stated that out of the Sh. 5,000 bribe, only Sh. 100 was deposited into the Machakos County Government’s account, even though a Sh. 10,800 receipt was issued.

“So, when the patient was being sneaked out, the hospital’s security personnel intercepted and alerted the facility’s bosses leading to the suspects’ arrest. They are here at the police station.”

He said that there was a cartel operating at the Machakos Level 5 Hospital. Their activities include sneaking patients out of the hospital to avoid settling their hospital bills.

These actions resulted in a loss of revenue for Governor Ndeti’s administration from the public hospital. The hospital has reportedly sought permission to apprehend more members involved in the cartel.

“When the money was exchanging hands, our officers were following. The security personnel trailed as the money changed hands, transferred to a mobile phone and the M-Pesa message was edited. They trailed the process until they got to the patient,” Yumbya said.

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Yumbya further asserted that public hospital funds would no longer be squandered by individuals. He hopes that this first incident will serve as a stern lesson to others who look to take such opportunities.

“Now that we are done with you, we leave the rest to the police. But the theft of public funds must stop.”

“Their sacking letters have been processed and I’m issuing them with the termination letters immediately…Governor Wavinya Ndeti has said there is no forgiveness for those found stealing from her administration,” he concluded.