Ruto Axes BioVax Chair Mishra Over Mediheal Kidney Transplant Scandal

President William Ruto has suspended Dr. Swarup Mishra as the chairperson of the Kenya BioVax Institute, effective immediately.

In a statement released on Friday, Ruto clarified that the suspension will remain in place until the completion of an investigation into allegations of unlawful kidney transplant procedures conducted at a hospital he founded.o said the suspension will remain in effect until a probe into allegations of illegal kidney transplant procedures in a hospital he founded is complete.

“The suspension shall remain in force pending the outcome of investigations into serious allegations of unethical and illegal activities involving kidney transplant procedures at Mediheal Hospital and Fertility Centre in Eldoret,” Ruto said.

In the statement, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fighting corruption, including upholding integrity in healthcare, public safety, and justice for victims.

The suspension comes barely six months after Ruto appointed Mishra to serve as chairman of the board of directors of the Biovax Institute for three years with effect from November 22, 2024.

Mishra is the proprietor of Mediheal Group of Hospitals and had served for one term as MP for Kesses but lost to newcomer Julius Rutto in the last General Election.

The hospital has three branches in Eldoret, two in Nairobi and one in Nakuru.

He ran against the grain after he vied as an Independent and was considered a sympathiser of the Azimio side in a region that is President Ruto’s stronghold.

Mishra, who was known as a big spender on community projects and generous to a fault, had become a household name, especially in the Rift Valley region, where he was nicknamed “Kiprop” by the Kalenjin community.

On Wednesday, the government suspended all transplant services at the Mediheal Group of Hospitals. 

The Ministry of Health said it specifically halted kidney transplant procedures at the facility following “credible concerns” from both the government and the public.

“Effective immediately, all transplant services — and in particular kidney transplant services — at Mediheal Group of Hospitals are hereby suspended until further notice,” the statement read.

Officials cited ethical issues as the reason for the shutdown.

“This decision follows credible concerns from government and citizens regarding the facility’s adherence to required ethical standards in the conduct of transplant procedures,” the Ministry said.