Investigation into Irregular Procurement

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is calling for the prosecution of Leonard Muriuki Njeru, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate for the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, in connection with a multi-million shilling procurement scandal at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). The case revolves around a contract awarded to Njeru’s company, Biomax Africa Limited, during the 2021/2022 financial year for the supply, installation, and commissioning of a medical oxygen generating plant at a cost of approximately Sh433 million. According to EACC findings submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on Wednesday, 12 June 2025, Biomax Africa Limited allegedly secured the tender using falsified documents, including forged performance bonds and fake staff credentials. The commission has accused the Ministry of Health's tender evaluation committee, then under Principal Secretary Susan Mochache, of failing to conduct the necessary due diligence, which would have exposed these irregularities.

Consequences of a Failed Project

The oxygen plant was contracted to produce 8,000 litres per minute (LPM) but has only managed to generate around 2,800 LPM, rendering it incapable of meeting the national referral hospital's needs. This significant underperformance has had severe financial repercussions for KNH and, by extension, the Kenyan taxpayer. The hospital has been forced to spend over Sh565 million on procuring liquid oxygen from private suppliers since the contract was awarded, a figure that exceeds the original cost of the dysfunctional plant. Between July 2023 and February 2024 alone, KNH spent more than Sh168 million on these emergency supplies. Additionally, the hospital reportedly incurred over Sh100 million in costs for a transformer and generator that were supposed to be covered by the contractor.

Political Ramifications and Electoral Integrity

Despite the serious allegations and the EACC’s recommendation for his prosecution, Leonard Muriuki Njeru, who now also uses the name ‘Wa Mathende’, was cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to contest in the upcoming by-election. The specific date and details of his official name change remain unconfirmed through a Kenya Gazette notice. DETAILS UNCONFIRMED. Njeru secured the UDA ticket after several other aspirants stepped down in his favour and has been publicly endorsed by senior party figures, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. This situation has cast a spotlight on the integrity of Kenya's electoral process and the standards for leadership as outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution. According to the IEBC's stated criteria, a candidate is generally presumed innocent until proven guilty and has exhausted all avenues of appeal, which may explain the clearance. However, the commission has not released a specific statement regarding Njeru's case. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED. The UDA party has also not issued a formal response to the EACC's recommendations against its candidate. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.

The EACC's Stance and the Path Forward

The EACC began its investigation on Tuesday, 16 May 2024, after receiving a formal complaint. The file sent to the DPP recommends charging Njeru, former PS Susan Mochache, suspended KNH CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri, and eight other officials and directors involved in the procurement process. The commission alleges a systemic failure that involved collusion and negligence, leading to the massive loss of public funds. The DPP is now tasked with reviewing the evidence and deciding whether to proceed with the recommended prosecutions. The outcome of this case will be a significant test for Kenya's commitment to fighting corruption, particularly when it involves politically connected individuals. For the voters in Mbeere North, it presents a critical choice regarding accountability and the standards they expect from their elected leaders. The unfolding events will have lasting implications for governance, public health infrastructure, and the enforcement of ethical standards in Kenyan public life.