5 Hospital Staff Under Probe Over Theft of Ksh3 Million Drugs

Police are investigating the theft of drugs worth Ksh3 million from Maragua Level Four Hospital.

Speaking of the incident, Murang’a South Police Commander Alexander Shikondi stated that the theft appears to have been orchestrated by the hospital's staff.

“The thefts have been executed in two heists — one on November 27 and the other on December 14, 2021. In the recent incident, no door was broken. In the first incident, the door to the store was broken but curiously, the hospital management never made a formal police report,” he said.

File image of Maragua Level 4 Hospital. |Photo| Courtesy|

The targeted drugs included paracetamol which is used to relieve pain and septrin, which is an antibiotic.

“These are two varieties of medicines that are widely administered and are very popular with over the counter customers hence targeted for the theft since they have a ready market,” Shikondi added.

The police boss revealed that five staffers, including Chief Pharmacist Esther Maina, have been questioned in relation to the matter. Four others, including an intern, have also been interrogated.

Shikondi stated that drugs worth Ksh2.5 million were stolen in the first incident, while Ksh 500,000 worth of medicines were stolen in the second incident.

“It is interesting how the hospital’s management has behaved in the two incidents where it was apparent that it did not intend the matter to be known by investigating authorities. Were it not that we received a tip-off, it would have remained a secret as patients continue to be told there is no medicine,” he said.

Maragua Residents and Business Community Association Chairman Mohammed Maluki threatened to lead a protest against the hospital following the revelation of the theft.

“That is the reason why private pharmacists, laboratories and clinics have set up shops starting from the main gate of the hospital. We know of the thriving business that these private practitioners are doing with our patients and it is not hard to know where they get their medical supplies from,” he said.