By KPC Reporter
The Ministry of Health has ordered an immediate investigation into medical practitioners who publicly claimed to have witnessed or participated in “miraculous” healings during a recent religious crusade.
Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale warned that unverified testimonies risk endangering lives and undermining public trust in healthcare.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Duale said the government respects faith and spiritual nourishment but drew a firm line when it comes to matters of health and life.
“The Ministry of Health recognises and respects the important place of faith and spiritual nourishment in the lives of our people,” Duale said.
“However, matters of health and life must remain firmly grounded in science, ethics and evidence-based medicine.”
The CS directed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to immediately investigate licensed medical professionals who publicly testified to claims of healing during the crusade, which took place in Nakuru and attracted nationwide attention on social media.
“Any claims of miraculous healing, especially by licensed medical practitioners, must be supported by verifiable, scientifically proven medical evidence,” Duale said.
He added that unsubstantiated claims amount to medical misinformation and pose “a direct threat to human life and public safety”.
Separately, KMPDC issued a detailed statement distancing the medical profession from the claims and reiterating that evidence-based medicine remains non-negotiable in Kenya’s healthcare system.
“The Council unequivocally condemns such statements by medical practitioners which are based on unverified claims,” KMPDC said.
The Council added that reports of faith-based healing for serious conditions such as HIV and AIDS, cancer, blindness and deafness had raised “profound concerns regarding public health safety and professional ethics”.
The regulator warned that reliance on unverified healing methods could lead patients to abandon prescribed treatment, with potentially fatal consequences.
“Unsubstantiated claims may mislead vulnerable individuals and deter them from seeking proven therapies, potentially leading to worsened health outcomes, drug resistance, or loss of life,” the statement read.
KMPDC said it is working closely with the Ministry of Health and other regulatory bodies to investigate the matter and will take “appropriate action” against any practitioner found to have violated medical ethics or health regulations.
Such actions could include disciplinary measures or legal steps.
The Council also reassured the public that Kenya’s healthcare system remains robust, citing continued investment in public health education, access to antiretroviral therapy, cancer care and long-term management of chronic illnesses.
“Your health and well-being remain our top priority,” said KMPDC Chief Executive Officer Dr David Kariuki, urging Kenyans to report suspicious medical claims for verification and to seek care from qualified professionals.