SHA denies firing whistleblower Andrew Rotich, says he did not apply for promotion

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has refuted claims by professional bodies that whistleblower Andrew Kipkurui Rotich lost his job following the exposure of a multibillion-shilling fraud in the healthcare system.

In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, SHA Board Chairperson Dr. Abdi Mohamed clarified that Rotich remains in public service and is currently employed as a Senior Officer under transitional arrangements.

“Mr Rotich has not lost his job. Mr Rotich remains an employee of the public service deployed to the Social Health Authority, currently holding the position of Senior Officer. His current temporary deployment and tenure are protected under the transitional arrangements,” said Dr Mohamed.

On Rotich’s candidacy, Dr, Mohamed revealed that he did not apply for the position of Deputy Director, Internal Audit, in the ongoing recruitment process.

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Kenya had raised concerns over Rotich’s exclusion from a recent shortlist for senior audit positions at the Authority, calling for an independent inquiry and protection of whistleblowers.

The Authority defended its recruitment as fair and transparent, stressing that only candidates who applied for advertised posts could be considered.

“SHA Recruitment Portal records confirm that Mr Rotich did not apply for the position of Deputy Director, Internal Audit in this exercise. He submitted only one application for this tier, specifically for the position of Assistant Director, Internal Audit. Neither did he submit a physical application for any position,” Dr. Mohamed stated.

“Ultimately, the Board can only consider and shortlist individuals who have expressed willingness by formally applying for the advertised position. The Authority cannot force any qualified individual to apply,” the SHA Board Chair added, also noting that Rotich had not filed any appeal disputing his non-shortlisting.

SHA, however, insists the process is guided by law and court rulings. The Authority cited the May 29, 2025, ruling in ELRC Petition No. E078 of 2025 (Said Omar Abdile vs. Social Health Authority & 3 Others), which quashed all previous appointments—including Rotich’s initial promotion to Deputy Director—forcing SHA to restart recruitment afresh.

“The positions offered in this recruitment, including Mr Rotich’s appointment as Deputy Director, were nullified by the 29th May 2025 court order,” Dr Mohamed noted.

Dr Mohamed appealed to the media to “exercise caution and diligence in reporting to ensure that only correct information is relayed to the public,” emphasising that SHA was committed to meritocracy, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.

SHA further underscored its commitment to strengthening internal audit functions, confirming that all shortlisted candidates for the Deputy Director, Internal Audit role are registered members of ICPAK and/or IIA.

The Authority also highlighted the use of digital systems powered by artificial intelligence and big data fraud engines to track fraudulent claims, saying evidence has already been submitted to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for prosecution of rogue health facilities.