Case against Meridian to go on

What you need to know:

  • Justice Jacqueline Kamau yesterday said the trial of Mr Langat Kerich, Mr Marwa Fadhili Chacha, Mr David Kipruto Chingi, Mr Peter Wambugu and Mr Ndiba Wairioko — officials of Meridian Medical Centre — should go on. They are charged with attempting to steal Sh116 million from NHIF.
  • The NHIF terminated the contract on June 14, 2013 after giving Meridian a three-month notice. Meridian’s officials appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court.

The trial of five people accused of conspiring to defraud the National Hospital Insurance Health Fund will go on, the High Court has ruled.

Justice Jacqueline Kamau yesterday said the trial of Mr Langat Kerich, Mr Marwa Fadhili Chacha, Mr David Kipruto Chingi, Mr Peter Wambugu and Mr Ndiba Wairioko — officials of Meridian Medical Centre — should go on. They are charged with attempting to steal Sh116 million from NHIF.

Dismissing NHIF’s application that sought to have the higher court’s case stopped until the trial is completed, the judge said matters presented were similar and there was no need to waste more time.

“Though the matters in both courts touch on similar issues, I am not satisfied that either of the cases would have an impact on the other, as each would have to make independent determination depending on evidence placed before it,” said Justice Kamau.

She added that there was no satisfactory reason to warrant the orders because it would give a clear indication of preventing justice from taking its course.

“This matter has been certified as ready for hearing and a hearing date taken, but it did not proceed. It is time the trial goes on and be determined without fear of the outcome’s impact on this case or vice versa,” she said.

Meridian got into a contract with NHIF on November 8, 2009, to provide outpatient medical care and treatment to the fund’s beneficiaries on pilot basis. On January 1, 2012, the two signed a contract for providing primary healthcare and treatment to civil servants and members of the disciplined forces.

But Meridian is alleged to have been setting up and equipping clinics at the time, contrary to what it had presented.

The NHIF terminated the contract on June 14, 2013 after giving Meridian a three-month notice. Meridian’s officials appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court.

Meridian went to the High Court to challenge the breach of contract and sought more than Sh600 million.

NHIF filed an application to stop the case from proceeding until the earlier case was completed.