President William Ruto has suspended Dr. Swarup Mishra from his position as Chairperson of the Kenya Biovax Institute with immediate effect, following serious allegations linking him to unethical and illegal kidney transplant procedures at Mediheal Hospital and Fertility Centre in Eldoret.
Dr. Mishra, a former Member of Parliament for Kesses Constituency and founder of the Mediheal hospital chain, is at the center of a growing scandal involving alleged harvesting of kidneys from vulnerable individuals and conducting transplants under questionable circumstances. The reports have drawn widespread national and international concern.
Kenya Biovax Institute, where Mishra held the top leadership position, is a critical government agency responsible for the local manufacturing and distribution of vaccines and other essential medical products, including COVID-19 vaccines.
In a statement, President Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption and unethical practices, particularly within the healthcare sector. “We are committed to upholding integrity in the health system, ensuring public safety, and securing justice for any victims of exploitation,” he said.
The suspension follows swift action by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who on Thursday halted all transplant procedures at Mediheal Hospital and announced the formation of a committee to audit kidney transplant services across all Mediheal facilities over the past five years.
Investigations into the scandal are ongoing, and Dr. Mishra’s suspension will remain in effect until the conclusion of the probe