Former Isiolo South Member of Parliament, Abdi Tepo, is currently entangled in legal troubles after being charged with multiple criminal offenses, including possession of counterfeit bank notes and illegal firearms. The charges follow a dramatic turn of events involving a high-profile investigation into fraudulent financial transactions.
On July 25, 2024, Tepo and his wife, Halima Gura Roka, were apprehended by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The arrest came amid a broader probe into substantial fraudulent payments totaling Ksh.199 million made by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to Beirut Pharmacy and Medical Centre located in Eastleigh. These payments spanned from 2021 to 2023 and had raised suspicions of corruption and mismanagement.
EACC detectives, while investigating these irregular transactions, executed a series of searches across various locations. Their efforts led them to the residences of several individuals connected to Beirut Pharmacy, including directors Yussuf Maalim Haret, Mohamed Bare Abdille, Virginia Nduku Ngemu, Ubah Hussein Abdi, and Beirut Hospital Administrator Oscar Mburu Murigi.
During their search at Tepo’s residence, a tense moment unfolded when the former MP allegedly cocked and readied his Ceska handgun in response to the arriving detectives. Fortunately, he ultimately complied, allowing the officers to proceed with their investigation. The search yielded concerning findings, notably 300 pieces of paper designed to mimic Euro currency notes. These counterfeit papers were intended to replicate the special paper used in genuine Euro banknotes.
In addition to the charges related to the fake bank notes, Tepo is also facing allegations of possessing ammunition and a firearm without the necessary certificates. The prosecution has brought forward five criminal counts against him, but Tepo has pleaded not guilty to these accusations.
The court proceedings have seen Tepo granted bail, set at Ksh.100,000, alongside the requirement to provide a contact person as part of his release conditions. This legal matter is set to continue with a pretrial mention scheduled for August 12, 2024.
The arrest and subsequent charges against Tepo mark a significant development in the ongoing investigation into NHIF’s fraudulent payments. The EACC’s crackdown underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the commission’s commitment to addressing corruption within Kenya’s public health sector.
As the case unfolds, the public and various stakeholders will be closely watching to see how the judicial system handles these grave accusations. The outcome could have far-reaching implications, not just for Tepo and his associates, but also for the integrity of public financial management and the broader fight against corruption in Kenya.
The legal proceedings will provide further insights into the extent of the alleged fraud and the involvement of other individuals in the case. Meanwhile, the scrutiny and public interest in this high-profile case remain intense, reflecting the broader concerns about transparency and accountability within Kenya’s healthcare and political spheres.
