Sakaja Announces Arrest Of Nairobi Gang Stealing Medical Supplies

Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja stated on Tuesday, February 21 that police officers arrested three suspects ferrying a van full of stolen medicine.

In his statement, Sakaja noted that the trio were arrested after police were tipped off by members of the public regarding the stolen drugs.

This, he added, assisted the County officials and police officers to trace the suspects and arrest them.

"Following a tip-off, these ones have been caught. They will be an example to others. We are doing our best to make sure our patients get drugs and a few people think they can steal drugs meant for the public and sell it back to them," he stated on social media.

After a tip off yesterday, these thugs were caught this morning stealing a van full of drugs from one of our facilities. These ones will be an example to the others who have been stealing what’s meant for the people. As we implement our HMIS, we are strengthening vigilance. pic.twitter.com/sQbBXwZ8JZ — Sakaja Arthur Johnson (@SakajaJohnson) February 21, 2023

Following the arrest, Sakaja appealed to Nairobi residents to identify suspicious individuals taking part in criminal activities in an effort to crack down on the notorious thugs in the city.

"Please, when you see something fishy at any of our hospitals share it with us. Help us serve you better. We will weed out all these thugs," he vowed.

One of the suspects in the video filmed by the governor revealed that the drugs were in the van destined for Murang'a County.

"The medicine was recovered while on its way to Murang'a, honourable governor. We were able to catch them with the help of the officers around," one of the individuals who caught the three suspects told Governor Sakaja.

The gang of three was operating a Toyota van full of stolen medicines Sakaja had recently flagged off. Following their arrest, the trio was taken to Kilimani Police station for processing before their arraignment in court. 

"I have deployed over 100 Police officers in all county health facilities to ensure security is provided to the health facilities and patients. 

"Any staff found stealing medical commodities, equipment meant to benefit Nairobians will not only be arrested, but I will personally ensure they are jailed," Sakaja warned.  

This comes a week after Sakaja flagged off medical supplies from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) worth Ksh244 million to be distributed to all the health facilities within Nairobi County, the first of such kind the county has ever distributed medical essentials to hospitals in three years.

“Glad to receive and distribute essential medical supplies worth Ksh244 million this afternoon after settling part of our historical debt with KEMSA. We have put in place adequate measures to ensure the integrity of our stocks and that they reach our patients,” Sakaja said on Tuesday, February 14.

The case of governors pouncing on criminals ferrying stolen medicines is not a new one, however. Assorted medical drugs procured by the County Government of Homa Bay were on Friday night, November 18, 2022, impounded by police officers in a sting operation against a suspected theft syndicate of government medical supplies.

The operation which 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 the Rodi Kopany area, were arrested.

"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)," Governor Gladys Wanga wrote on her Facebook account.

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