Police Seize Stolen Medical Drugs At Private House [PHOTOS]

Assorted medical drugs procured by the County Government of Homa Bay were on Friday night, November 18 impounded by police officers in a sting operation against a suspected theft syndicate of government medical supplies.

The operation that also involved county health officials led by Dr. Kevin Osuri, Chief Officer for Health Services, Homa Bay County followed a tip-off by vigilant members of the public, that enabled the recovery of 185 full cartons of various drugs, according to a press release sent to newsrooms.

Three suspects, Churchill Ochieng Mbuya, Amos Omondi and Owuor Sam Mutoma who were caught offloading the drugs - part of a consignment worth Ksh20 million - at a private residence in Rodi Kopany area, have been arrested.

Cartons of stolen medical supplies recovered in Homa Bay on November 18, 2022. /COURTESY.WHATSAPP

This is as investigations into the incident continues, led by Monica Jeruto Berege the Divisional Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO), Homabay County.

"Today we have patients suffering in our medical facilities for lack of drugs and other essential supplies because of unscrupulous Kenyans out to steal and divert these critical medicines from the ones who need them the most. 

"As a responsible county government, we will ensure that we bring to end theft of medical supplies", said Dr Osuri.

He was speaking to journalists on Saturday morning, November 19 at Rodi Kopany police station where the suspects are being held.

Saying that those found culpable will be prosecuted in line with the law, Dr. Osuri particularly cautioned Homa Bay County staff who may be implicated in the criminal syndicate of disciplinary action, reiterating Governor Gladys Wanga’s determination to rid the county of such vices.

"This morning, my office working with members of the public and security agencies, effectively stopped the theft of and recovered medical supplies meant for our hospitals. We will do everything necessary to heighten the security of all county supplies.

"The incident at Rodi is unfortunate, and legal measures are being taken against all those responsible. Hawa wataona siku mrefu (they will have a long day)," the county boss wrote on her Facebook account.

The drugs were on transit from the supplier, Mission For Essential Drugs (MEDS), and had not arrived at the Homa Bay County medical warehouse and logistics centre for onward distribution to various health facilities across the county.

The first batch of medicines from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), worth Ksh60 million was supplied two months ago and was flagged off by Governor Wanga.

This is the second robbery case hitting the county in two days. A daring gang had broken into Kipasi Police Station in Homa Bay County on Wednesday night, November 16 and stole four guns as well as 110 bullets from the armoury.

The incident happened while a majority of officers were not around the station. The site also houses the office of the Lambwe Central location chief.

Police launched a manhunt to recover the weapons despite not establishing how many of the thugs broke into the building located at the Kipasi trading centre in the Ruri East sub-location.

The raid saw the thugs escape with three G3 guns and one AK-47 rifle, all bearing serial numbers G3 S/NO. A3 6699056, G3 S/NO. 6593403, G3 FMP 402994 and AK-47 NO. 4913650

Journalists present at a private house where cartons of stolen medical supplies were recovered in Homa Bay on November 18, 2022. /COURTESY.WHATSAPP