ICPAK defends whistleblowers in SHA audit dispute

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The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) has defended whistleblowers, urging fairness in the case of CPA Andrew Kipkirui Rotich, who lost his job at the Social Health Authority (SHA) after a court-ordered review of April 2025 recruitments.

ICPAK said the removal of Mr Rotich, Deputy Director of Forensic Audit and Risk Assurance, together with two other deputy directors, raises serious public interest concerns and risks discouraging professionals from speaking out on accountability.

“Professionals serving the public interest must be protected from vulnerability,” ICPAK Chairperson Prof Elizabeth Kalunda said on Wednesday.

“We urge SHA and the Ministry of Health to uphold fairness, justice, and due process in this matter.”

The Institute noted that Mr Rotich, a member since 2012, had served diligently from his early years at the NHIF through SHA, and was part of the team that exposed irregularities in medical billing within the public health system.

Prof Kalunda said ICPAK is committed to transparency. She cited initiatives such as the ICPAK Accountability Index, the Unique Document Identification Number to curb fraud, and reviews of Auditor-General reports for counties and ministries.

“We are renewing our call for the urgent enactment of a Whistleblower Protection Act to strengthen Kenya’s governance systems,” she said.

The Institute further demanded an independent inquiry into SHA’s recruitment outcomes, protection of evidence, and security for Mr Rotich, his family, and other whistleblowers.

“Accountants and auditors are uniquely positioned to identify breaches in procedures and safeguard public resources,” Prof Kalunda said.

“Their work is vital in maintaining trust in institutions.”

ICPAK said it will present its statement and action points to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) as part of efforts to strengthen ethical leadership and financial integrity across the country.