The court has set free former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) CEO Richard Kerich after a high-profile corruption case against him that has lasted almost a decade collapsed.

Charges were dismissed against Dr Kerich, former NHIF strategy and corporate planning manager Fadhili Marwa Chacha, former NHIF assistant manager of benefits and quality assurance David Chingi, Peter Ngunjiri Wambugu, Ndiba Warioko and Meridian Medical Centre.

The five faced charges relating to a dubious Sh117 million NHIF tender with Meridian Medical Centre for provision of medical services to civil servants and disciplined forces.

The former NHIF senior officers had been accused of entering into an agreement with Meridian Medical Centre knowing well the facility lacked capacity to provide such services.

In dismissing all the charges, the Nairobi Anti-Corruption Court ruled that no evidence was provided to back the claims due process was violated and that the hospital lacked capacity.

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Dr Kerich, Chacha and Chingi also faced charges of ignoring procurement laws, abuse of office and conferring a benefit of Sh43 million to Meridian between December 21, 2011 and February 8, 2012.

Meridian Medical Center was among 173 facilities that submitted their proposals following a tender advert published by NHIF for provision of outpatient services to civil servants.

The center was awarded the tender for the Mzalendo medical cover on December 3, 2008 with 10 of its branches being shortlisted to commence offering services in January 2012.

However, the court was informed that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) had investigated the award of the tender to Meridian by NHIF and found it to be legitimate.