The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) cautioned Kenyans against speculating about the mysterious death of its staff, Lillian Waithera, which occurred in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) on Monday, February 13.
In a statement dated Thursday, February 16, NHIF acknowledged a viral letter making rounds on social media alleging foul play in the death of the former employee.
The agency stated that the police were investigating the matter, urging Kenyans to accord the family of the deceased respect as it mourned its loved one.
“Our attention has been drawn by social media posts speculating her unexplained death. NHIF wishes to advise the members of the public to avoid speculation and to allow relevant investigative authorities to handle the matter.
“NHIF Management wishes to request members of the public to accord the family of the late Waithera a chance to mourn their loved one and to exercise patience during this extremely difficult time,” read the statement in part.
On the other hand, NHIF dismissed claims made over the management of the national health insurer in the viral letter.
“Furthermore, the Fund would like to reiterate that the man (named in the letter) is not the Chief Executive Officer of NHIF as alleged in a report making rounds on social media,” NHIF stated.
At the time of her death, Waithera was a Registration Officer based at the NHIF Upper Hill branch office.
Waithera collapsed in the CBD, at Kaunda Street, after leaving work on Monday, February 13, at around 5 pm. Reports alleged that she had complained of chest pains.
News of her death took a twist after an autopsy revealed a bullet in her lungs. Eyewitnesses, however, claimed that they did not hear a gunshot.
“The incident happened around 5:15 pm. The lady was in the company of her colleagues. Suddenly, she appeared to be shocked as she looked at the sky. We all thought it was a heart attack,” an eyewitness stated.
Waithera’s husband, Paul Mbogo, on his part, expressed shock over the matter as they called on the police to speed up their investigations.
“We are shocked by the news because she did not have any issue with anyone. At her job, she was joyous even when interacting with her colleagues.
“There is no reason to say that there was anyone who had been following her or she was indebted to,” he stated.
Police are yet to release a statement on their investigations officially.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE