CS Mutahi Kagwe: I will dismatle the Cartels running at Afya Center

CS Health Mutahi Kagwe. PHOTO | STAR

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe promises to dismantle the powerful web of cartels running at Afya House.


Kagwe confirmed the presence of a powerful ‘faceless’ cartels that have well-integrated themselves with the ministry and blocked reforms.


The dangerous group, the CS believes, is a group of powerful individuals who have saturated the ministry controlling strategic positions and manage billions of shillings for personal gain.

“There are those who have penetrated the institution over a long time. We are not talking about people who entered there last month. We are talking about people who are doing what they have done in the last 20 years or so,” Kagwe said.


On Friday, the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority board suspended CEO Jonah Manjari giving way to investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission over alleged tendering irregularities.


He was ejected alongside the head of procurement Charles Juma and commercial director Eliud Mureithi.



“What I can promise Kenyans is that we will fight these cartels and we are fighting these cartels,” he said.


Kagwe disclosed that he has transferred more than 60 senior officials at the ministry over four months to weaken the gangs' grip.


Further, he has invited the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the EACC to probe top officials believed responsible for the mess at the ministry.


“As we speak today, DCI is active in the Ministry of Health. The Anti-Corruption Commission is also active at my invitation,” he said.