NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 1 – The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) has called for due process in handling the case of a senior auditor whose dismissal has sparked a national debate on whistleblower protection.
ICPAK made the call on Wednesday when it held a press conference in defense of CPA Andrew Kipkirui Rotich, urging the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Ministry of Health to exercise fairness and justice.
Rotich, appointed Deputy Director of Forensic Audit and Risk Assurance at SHA in April, was part of the team that uncovered large-scale fraudulent medical billing in Kenya’s public health system.
His findings, later submitted to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), pointed to a scheme in which thousands of facilities allegedly billed taxpayers for services never provided.
Recent reports revealed that Rotich’s name was omitted from a shortlist for fresh interviews at SHA, a move critics say amounts to retaliation against a whistleblower.
ICPAK—the statutory body regulating the accountancy profession—expressed solidarity with Rotich and other professionals who act in the public interest vowing to stand by Rotich.
“ICPAK urges the Social Health Authority and the Ministry of Health to uphold fairness, justice, and due process in the case of CPA Rotich,” the institute said.
“This issue not only concerns an individual but also the principle that professionals serving the public interest must be shielded from vulnerability.”
Protect whistleblowers
ICPAK Chairperson, CPA Prof. Elizabeth Kalunda, noted that Rotich, an ICPAK member since 2012, had demonstrated professionalism throughout his service at both the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and SHA.
The institute warned that mishandling the case could discourage other professionals from speaking out against corruption.
To safeguard accountability, ICPAK renewed its call for urgent enactment of a Whistleblower Protection Act and the creation of a comprehensive National Whistleblower Policy.
It also recommended an independent inquiry into SHA’s recruitment process and the protection of evidence linked to the medical billing fraud scandal.
Additionally, ICPAK urged the government to provide security guarantees for Rotich, his family, and other whistleblowers.
The statement comes amid heated public discourse, with critics accusing the government of undermining accountability, while senior officials maintain that Rotich is still under consideration for another role at SHA.
ICPAK said it would formally submit its concerns to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), emphasizing the critical role of accountants in safeguarding public resources.
“Accountants are uniquely positioned to detect and report irregularities. Their work is vital in strengthening governance frameworks, enhancing risk management, and maintaining public trust in institutions,” Prof. Kalunda added.
The DCI is yet to issue an update on its probe into the SHA billing scandal.