It was the end of the road for a clique of three suspects countered by a team of Nairobi County officials and police officers while transporting a van full of stolen medicine.
While confirming the incident, Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja's Communication Office, told Kenyans.co.ke, that the health service commodities and supplies were stolen from Lady Northey Hospital on Tuesday, February 21.
A multi-agency unit waylaid the suspects and arrested them as they attempted to sneak out with the commodities.
"We apprehended them following a tip off. They will be an example to others. We do our best to ensure our patients get drugs, and a few people think they can steal commodities meant for the public to sell and earn profits.
"Please, share with us any intel when you spot unusual activities in hospitals. Help us serve you better. We will weed out all these thugs," Governor Sakaja urged later.
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.
The governor also lamented that several rogue county officials colluded with thieves to steal from public coffers.
"Nairobians have suffered enough due to lack of drugs and therefore anyone standing in the way of service delivery will face the music," Sakaja further cautioned.
On Wednesday, February 15, 2023, Governor Sakaja received the Ksh244 million medical commodities, offered by the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) after a three-year hiatus.
