President William Ruto has suspended Dr. Swarup Mishra from his position as chair of the Kenya BioVax Institute with immediate effect, according to a press release issued by State House on Friday.
The suspension comes as investigations are launched into serious allegations of unethical and illegal kidney transplant activities at Mediheal Hospital and Fertility Centre in Eldoret, which was founded by Dr. Mishra. The suspension will remain in place pending the outcome of the investigations.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the decision underscores the government’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct in the healthcare sector.
“The President reaffirms the Government’s commitment to fighting corruption, including upholding integrity in healthcare, public safety, and justice for victims,” Mohamed stated.
Dr. Mishra and the Allegations
Dr. Swarup Mishra is a well-known figure in Kenya’s healthcare and political landscape. A trained medical doctor and former Member of Parliament for Kesses Constituency, Dr. Mishra rose to prominence through his expansive medical enterprise, the Mediheal Group of Hospitals.
Mediheal has often been portrayed as a pioneer in specialized treatments in Kenya, particularly in reproductive health, oncology, and organ transplants. It operates multiple facilities across cities like Nairobi, Eldoret, Nakuru, and Kigali, Rwanda. The Eldoret branch, where the alleged malpractice occurred, has long been regarded as a leading referral center for kidney transplant surgeries.
However, the hospital has recently come under heavy scrutiny after whistleblowers and investigative journalists uncovered suspected breaches in ethical transplant procedures. Allegations include harvesting organs from vulnerable individuals, lack of proper donor consent, and operating without strict regulatory oversight. Some reports have even hinted at possible connections to international organ trafficking networks — claims that have sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice.
What Is the Kenya BioVax Institute?
The Kenya BioVax Institute is a state-owned pharmaceutical and biotechnology company set up to spearhead local vaccine manufacturing and distribution. Established during the COVID-19 pandemic, its goal is to reduce dependency on imported vaccines and medical supplies, positioning Kenya as a continental hub for pharmaceutical innovation.
Dr. Mishra’s appointment to chair the institute was initially viewed as a strategic move, given his medical background and experience in hospital administration. But critics had warned of potential conflicts of interest, especially due to his direct links to private health enterprises.
The unfolding developments have cast a shadow over the credibility of Mediheal and raised urgent questions about ethical standards in private healthcare institutions.
As investigations intensify, public attention remains fixed on the Ministry of Health, law enforcement agencies, and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), all of whom are expected to take decisive action.
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