Writes Leo Odera Omolo
The government of Kenya has now made it clear that it has temporarily suspended the payment of all claims by people bitten by snakes.
It has ordered for the probe o claims that some people have been making falsified claims, and even other are reportedly inflicting injuries by cutting their legs with razor blades and thereafter conspire with medical personnel to register false and fake claims of snake bite.
A Senior Game Warden in Mwingi district, Eastern Province who is in-charge of the Kora National Game Park Wilson Njue made the announcement.
The announcement says some victims of snake attacks in the region may not be paid after the government suspended compensation following infiltration into the exercise by fraudsters.
The government has launched investigations into a scam in which it has paid out millions of shillings for fake and phony snake bite injuries and death claims.
About 100 people from Mwingi a semi arid area in the Eastern region of Kenya where cases of snake bites are so rampant who had been bitten by snakes were awaiting compensation. He said in the same district, the Kenya Wildlife Services {KWS} offices is said to be receiving almost 10 cases of snake bites are reported every month.
It was further established that suspension of compensation through a ministerial directive was brought about by revelations that fraudsters connived with crafty medics’ personnel and police officers to present false claims that passed and were paid.
“The government realized it was losing lots of money by paying fictitious claims and thus in February slammed a countrywide suspension on payment of claims related to snake bite injuries or deaths.
However, claims for attacks, death or injuries resulting from other wild animals are being honored.”
The Game Warden further disclosed that at the time of the suspension took effect in February his office had up to 100 snake bite claim forms awaiting for payments.
“The suspension was mean to facilitate investigations into the government rip off through falsified claims; residents who will attack by snakes should file reports with his office.”
“The suspension does not mean the claims will never be paid.””After investigations are concluded, a decision with be made and the genuine claims may be paid,” he said.
“Therefore those who are attacked should not be discouraged but should report to us as we wait for the conclusion of the probe.” The statement concluded,
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