Kenyans hold demonstration over missing funds in the Ministry of Health

By Samuel Ouma

A group of Kenyans took to the streets on Friday, August 21, protesting against alleged mismanagement of Covid-19 supplies.

Led by Haki Africa’s Hussein Khalid and rights crusader Wanjeri Nderi, the group marched through Uhuru Park while holding placards calling for the resignation of officials embroiled in the loss funds at the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA).

However, the anti-riot police blocked them from reaching the Central Business District (CBD).

The security officers lobbed tear gas and dispersed the demonstrators.

“We do not need a permit to assemble or even protests against continued stealing of our money. We already notified the police of our intended march, but they declined to receive our notification letter, is that our problem?” Nderu told the journalists.

Kenyan local television NTV had reported that Kenya might have lost a whooping Sh44 billion through irregular procurement of materials by the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA).

As the investigation in the alleged scandal is ongoing, the authorities have suspended three KEMSA officials.

Those suspended are the agency’s Chief Executive Officer Jonah Manjari, Eliud Muriithi (Commercial Director), and Charles Juma (Procurement Director).