KEMRI on the spot over HIV test 

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is on the spot following claims by a Siaya woman that she turned HIV-negative after previously testing positive and undergoing treatment.

In a demand letter dated May 6, the woman, through her lawyers Danstan Omari, Cliff Ombeta, Martina Swiga and Stanley Kinyanjui accuses KEMRI of issuing conclusions that contradict her medical history and has demanded a retraction of the institute’s findings contained in a letter dated April 20.

The lawyers argued that the case raises complex questions regarding medical science, public health administration and legal accountability.

The woman was first diagnosed with HIV in September 2023 after undergoing standard testing protocols at a government facility.

According to the demand letter, she was traced and enrolled into care on September 26, 2023 and initiated on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) the following day at Usigu Health Facility after repeat testing confirmed the positive result.

She remained strictly adherent to her medication.

She however claimed on December 30, 2024 While watching a televised religious crusade by Prophet Dr. Owuor, broadcast live on K24 Television and Jesus Is Lord Radio from Menengai, Nakuru, she placed her yellow HIV clinic card (MOH 258) directly on the television screen at her home.

She reported experiencing a sensation she associated with divine healing.

The prophet then directed those convinced of their healing to go for retesting.

Following his instruction, she travelled to Nyamonye in Bondo, a facility where no one knew her, and underwent an HIV test.

The result was negative.

She subsequently took additional tests at other facilities, all of which consistently returned negative results.

When she returned to Usigu Health Facility, medical personnel expressed concern over the inconsistency between her prior confirmed positive diagnosis and the subsequent negative outcomes.

She explained that through her faith, she was now free of HIV.

She later testified about the miracle in her church.

By March 2025, a multidisciplinary team at Usigu hospital, led by the CCC clinician, had reviewed her case.

A follow-up viral load test was conducted on September 18, 2025.

Then, on April 20, KEMRI issued a letter whose conclusions her lawyers now describe as untenable.

“This conclusion stands in direct contradiction to the scientific earlier diagnoses, documented treatment, and national health system records,” the lawyers said in the demand letter.

In the demand letter, Omari wants KEMRI to retract their conclusions vide the letter dated April 20.

He also wants the Ministry of Health to clarify whether the public should rely on the scientific HIV testing system or whether that system has been compromised.

“Our client and the general public ought to know whether the said system has been compromised vis a vis public interest,” read the demand letter.