Kenya has faced many shocking scandals over the years, many of which would have remained hidden if not for brave individuals who risked their lives to bring the truth to light. These whistleblowers exposed corruption, fraud, and controversial deals, sparking national outrage and calls for justice. Below are three notable Kenyans who made headlines for their fearless efforts.
1. Nelson Amenya: Exposing JKIA Deal Controversy
Amenya claimed that the Adani Group sought complete control of JKIA and could potentially use it as collateral for loans. He also highlighted a clause suggesting that the Indian company could cancel the agreement if the Kenyan government failed to protect its business interests. Amenya raised concerns about the future of JKIA workers, fearing they could either lose their jobs or face unfavorable employment conditions.
His revelation sparked public outrage, with many Kenyans opposing the deal. The government quickly responded, assuring the public that the deal had not been signed. Despite this, Amenya faced threats to his life from various sources, including local security agencies.
2. Salesio Thuranira: Exposing NHIF Fraud Targeting the Elderly
Human rights activist Salesio Thuranira made headlines when he exposed hospitals that were defrauding elderly patients through the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). In June 2023, Thuranira revealed that several hospitals were charging elderly patients for treatments they never received, especially those suffering from arthritis.
Thuranira reported the fraud to the NHIF Fraud Unit and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), but no action was taken. He later petitioned the Meru County Assembly, calling for an investigation. After his expose, then-Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha took swift action, suspending NHIF managers in the affected areas and terminating contracts with the implicated hospitals for 90 days pending further investigation.
Despite these developments, Thuranira later disclosed that his life was in danger. An unidentified individual contacted his wife, issuing a threatening message, warning him to stay silent about the scandal. However, Thuranira remained determined to fight for justice on behalf of the vulnerable elderly patients affected by the fraud.
3. Spencer Sankale: Uncovering Maasai Mara University Corruption
Spencer Sankale, an accountant at Maasai Mara University, became a key figure in exposing corruption within the institution's senior management. Sankale and his colleagues gathered audio, video, and documentary evidence showing how the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mary Walingo, and other officials embezzled funds from the university.
Sankale revealed that he was often coerced by Prof. Walingo to approve the release of university money for suspicious deals. Those involved in the scam included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration, the acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs, the Finance Officer, and the VC’s driver, Noor Hassan Abdi.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, Sankale faced retaliation. In June 2021, he was fired from the university on grounds of "gross misconduct." His dismissal outraged Kenyans on social media, who saw it as punishment for his role in exposing corruption.
Fortunately, Sankale received support from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), Amnesty International, and Transparency International (TI) Kenya, who jointly offered him a consulting role. Sankale, with these organizations, is now working to establish a Public Defenders Fund. This fund aims to support whistleblowers, providing legal and financial assistance to those who face persecution for exposing corruption and wrongdoing.
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