Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris has called for the immediate prosecution of individuals involved in Social Health Authority (SHA) fraud and demanded that their bank accounts be frozen to prevent further transactions.

In a statement posted on her X account on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Passaris emphasised that corruption transcends religious boundaries and demanded swift action against those who have looted health funds.

“Corruption is not about being Muslim or Christian; all faiths teach against theft. It’s about right and wrong. Those who looted health funds must be prosecuted and compelled to return every shilling,” Passaris said.

“Their accounts should be frozen immediately, with no transactions allowed,” she added.

Proactive steps

Passaris called for urgent measures to prevent SHA fraudsters from accessing their illegally obtained wealth, arguing that banks have a responsibility that goes beyond mere regulatory compliance.

She specifically called on the Kenya Bankers Association and individual banks to take proactive steps even before official intervention by anti-corruption agencies.

“The Kenya Bankers Association and individual banks have a moral duty to act, even before anti-corruption agencies,” Passaris said.

She emphasised that the fight against corruption requires collective action from all institutions to safeguard public resources.

“The war against corruption must be a united effort by all institutions to protect public funds,” she concluded.

Hospitals suspended

Passaris’ statement comes amid ongoing investigations and public outcry over reported fraud within the Social Health Authority involving ghost hospitals, which has led to the suspension of over 45 health facilities across the country.

In a statement issued on August 26, 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale termed the suspension as part of a broader crackdown aimed at ensuring that SHA funds reach legitimate healthcare providers and deliver value to over 25 million registered Kenyans.

“The Social Health Authority manages the contributions of hard-working Kenyans. These funds are intended to ensure quality, affordable, and dignified healthcare for all. Not to line the pockets of fraudsters. We will not tolerate any individual or institution attempting to exploit or syphon what belongs to the people,” Duale stated in a post on X.