Duale angry as man successfully admitted at Mbagathi using fake SHA details
By David Nthua, February 15, 2026Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale could not believe his ears and eyes that someone courageously committed fraud using SHA records.
This is after a report by one of the local TV stations on Sunday, February 15, 2026, detailed how a man gained admission at Mbagathi Hospital using his brother’s Social Health Authority (SHA) details.
SHA fraud at Mbagathi
According to the report, the patient received treatment for several days under the borrowed details.
The matter only came to light after the hospital demanded the original identification documents, prompting inconsistencies that exposed the impersonation.
The patient later died, triggering questions over identity verification and possible fraud within the system.
Responding on X, Duale addressed a journalist who had sought clarification on the matter.
“Dear Ode Francis, thank you for reaching out and for your continued efforts to keep the public informed. The Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority SHA take matters of fraud with the utmost seriousness. Regarding the recent impersonation incident at Mbagathi Hospital, please find the Ministry’s official responses below,” Duale wrote.
On action against beneficiaries involved in fraud, he stated, “Any beneficiary found colluding to defraud the Authority faces severe legal consequences.
Under Section 48(1) c of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, fraudulently altering or providing false information is a criminal offense.
Beneficiaries involved in such schemes are immediately handed over to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI for prosecution.”
He added that charges may include conspiracy to defraud under the Penal Code and asset recovery under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Aden Duale praises the biometric system
Duale further revealed that the new digital health system had already blocked suspicious claims worth approximately KSh 11 billion.
“What is key is that our new digital health system has become crucial in detecting and preventing fraud before funds are lost.
Because of these robust digital safeguards, the system recently flagged and rejected suspicious claims worth approximately KSh 11 billion,” he stated.
To prevent future cases, he announced that Biometric Health Identification BHI has replaced the One Time Password system, requiring fingerprint authentication in Level 4, 5, and 6 facilities. Rollout to lower-level facilities is ongoing.
He also cited the Practice360 App and AI-driven fraud detection tools as additional safeguards.
“The Ministry remains committed to protecting public health funds and ensuring that every shilling serves its intended purpose of providing quality healthcare to Kenyans,” Duale concluded.