President Ruto Suspends BioVax Chair Over Mediheal Kidney Transplant Scandal

By Irine Chebet

NAIROBI - President William Ruto has suspended Dr. Swarup Mishra from his role as Chairperson of BioVax following allegations of malpractice in kidney transplant procedures at Mediheal Hospital, which he owns.

The suspension will remain in effect until investigations are completed, according to a statement from State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.

“The President reaffirms the government’s commitment to fighting corruption, ensuring integrity in healthcare, and delivering justice for victims,” the statement read.

The move follows a directive by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who on Friday suspended two senior health officials over accusations of interfering with investigations into the scandal.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, CS Duale explained that the suspensions are meant to allow independent investigations, free from conflicts of interest.

He also ordered an immediate halt to all kidney transplant services at Mediheal Group of Hospitals.

“These actions follow serious allegations of malpractice and ethical violations related to kidney transplant procedures at Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret,” he said. “Given the gravity of the situation, I have suspended all kidney transplant services at Mediheal facilities across the country.”

Duale announced the formation of an Independent Expert Committee to audit Mediheal's kidney transplant operations over the past five years. The committee will examine clinical conduct, patient safety, ethical standards, and governance, and is expected to deliver a report within 90 days.

To oversee the process, Martin Sirengo has been appointed as the interim head of the Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services (KBTTS).

In a further move to tighten regulation, the CS directed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to stop licensing new foreign doctors, except those from East African Community countries. He also instructed the council to audit all currently licensed foreign medical practitioners and submit a detailed report within 90 days.

“These steps are necessary to strengthen oversight and ensure our healthcare standards match global best practices,” he said.

Patients currently receiving or seeking kidney transplants at Mediheal have been advised to seek services at other accredited hospitals, including Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, M.P. Shah Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital–Eldoret, Nairobi West Hospital, and Mater Hospital.