Ex-SHA boss Elijah Wachira charged with misappropriation of Sh17.5m

Former SHA CEO Elijah Wachira appearing in Milimani Law Courts on November 11, 2025/HANDOUT

Former Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Insurance (SHA), Elijah Wachira, has been charged with misappropriating Sh17,591,473 belonging to the organisation.

The court heard that Wachira, while serving in a management capacity, allegedly misused SHA funds between October 2024 and May 20, 2025, in collusion with several co-accused.

According to the charge sheet, “On diverse dates between October 2024 and May 20, 2025, at SHA headquarters within the Republic of Kenya, while bestowed with management duties, jointly misappropriated funds amounting to Sh17,591,473, the property of SHA.”

During plea taking on Tuesday before a Nairobi court, Wachira denied the charges, asserting his innocence.

His lawyer, Peter Wanyama, requested that the court consider a reasonable bail amount, suggesting Sh300,000 to the prosecution.

Principal Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi ruled on the matter, granting Wachira a bond of Sh500,000 with a surety of a similar amount.

"I hereby admit the accused person to a bond of Sh500,000 with a surety of a similar amount. Alternatively, a cash bail of Sh300,000 as long as he provided two contact persons," he ruled.

Earlier on November 2024, the board of SHA suspended him and partly blamed him for the ongoing chaotic transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) into the authority.

The board appointed Robert Ingasira, Director of Financial Services, as the acting CEO.

Wachira denied all accusations and said he is not aware of any diverted funds. SHA board chairman Abdi Mohamed did not immediately respond to the Star.

The board also accused Wachira of prioritising payments to private hospitals for services offered to SHA members, at the expense of public hospitals. The ousted CEO has denied all these accusations.

Wachira was appointed CEO of the NHIF in October 2023 after a competitive process.

“The new management team brings on board an invaluable wealth of experience that will immensely contribute to the transition of the Fund into success,” former NHIF Board chairman Michael Kamau said at that time.

In a letter seen by the Star, Wachira was sent on a compulsory leave for several months.

"This is to inform you of the resolution of the board to send you on a compulsory leave effective immediately to allow for further investigation into your professional conduct," a letter by SHA chairperson Abdi Mohamed read in part.

Wachira is a seasoned insurer, having been the Managing Director of CIC General for four years before he joined NHIF.