Ruto Suspends BioVax Chair as Mediheal Kidney Scandal Unfolds
Mediheal Hospital is Eldoret. The facility is at the centre of kidney trafficking. Owner and former Keses MP Shuarup Mishra has been suspended from Bio Vax board following the investigation of Mediheal.
By Kimagata Marindany
Published on. April 18, 2025
President William Ruto has suspended Dr. Swarup Mishra from his position as Chairperson of BioVax Institute, following serious allegations of unethical kidney transplant practices at Mediheal Hospital, a private health facility he owns.
In a statement issued by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the president emphasized that the suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
The statement also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting corruption and upholding integrity in healthcare, public safety, and justice for victims.
The scandal has prompted swift action from the Ministry of Health.
On Friday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale suspended two senior health officials accused of interfering with investigations into the Mediheal transplant case. During a press briefing on Thursday, Duale said the suspensions are intended to ensure an independent and impartial probe, free from internal conflicts of interest.
In a further move, the Health CS announced the immediate suspension of all kidney transplant services at Mediheal Group of Hospitals across the country.
He cited credible reports of malpractice and ethical violations during transplant procedures, particularly at Mediheal’s Eldoret branch.
Duale explained that the decision to halt operations was necessary to protect public health and restore trust in the medical system.
To address the concerns raised, Duale also announced the formation of an Independent Expert Committee that will conduct a thorough audit of all kidney transplant procedures carried out at Mediheal over the past five years.
Former Keses MP Shuarup Mishra who was today suspended by president Ruto ober Kidney trafficking investigations.
The committee has been tasked with reviewing governance structures, clinical practices, ethical compliance, and patient safety protocols. It is expected to submit a comprehensive report within 90 days.
In the meantime, Dr. Martin Sirengo has been appointed as interim head of the Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services to provide oversight and maintain continuity during the investigation process.
As part of wider regulatory reforms, the Health CS also directed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to suspend the licensing of new foreign medical practitioners, except those from East African Community member states.
He further ordered a full audit of all currently licensed foreign doctors in Kenya, with the results to be delivered to his office within 90 days.
These measures, he said, are aimed at tightening oversight and aligning Kenya’s medical standards with global best practices.
Patients who were receiving or seeking kidney transplant services at Mediheal have been advised to seek care at other accredited health facilities.
These include Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, M.P. Shah Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, Nairobi West Hospital, Mater Hospital, and St. Luke’s Hospital in Eldoret.
Investigations into the alleged misconduct at Mediheal are ongoing. The government has pledged full transparency and accountability throughout the process, as it works to uphold ethical standards in the country’s healthcare sector.
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