The Ministry of Health has directed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to investigate medical professionals who allegedly claimed they participated in or witnessed miraculous healings during a recent Prophet Owuor crusade in Nakuru.
In a statement, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the government respects the role of faith and spiritual nourishment in the lives of Kenyans, but stressed that issues involving health and human life must adhere to science, professional ethics, and evidence-based medicine.
Duale said the ministry had instructed KMPDC to summon the practitioners involved and compel them to submit clinical records and scientific evidence to support any public testimonies attributed to them.
“Accordingly, the Ministry has directed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to investigate medical professionals who publicly testified to such claims during a recent crusade,” Duale said.
“These practitioners must provide full clinical documentation and scientific proof.”
The Health CS warned that failure to comply would attract disciplinary action under existing professional and regulatory frameworks. He emphasized that licensed medical practitioners who make claims of miraculous healing must back them with verifiable, scientifically established medical evidence.
Duale cautioned that unsubstantiated claims risk amounting to medical misinformation and could pose a serious threat to public safety.
KMPDC raises alarm over faith-based healing claims
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council on Saturday raised concern over reports of faith-based healing claims linked to the crusade, dubbed the “Grand Mega Healing Service”, particularly those involving serious medical conditions.
In a statement, KMPDC Chief Executive Officer Dr. David Kariuki said the regulator had noted “recent media reports and public discourse concerning claims of faith-based healing for serious medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS, cancer, blindness, deafness, muteness and physical disabilities.”
The council said members of the public attributed the claims to certain medical practitioners, triggering grave concerns over public health and professional ethics. It warned that unverified statements by trained health professionals could endanger lives.
“The council unequivocally condemns such statements by medical practitioners, which are based on unverified claims,” said Dr. Kariuki.
KMPDC reiterated that all medical practice in Kenya must strictly follow evidence-based medicine, noting that scientific proof, testing, and regulatory approval must support all treatments and interventions.
“Claims of healing for chronic or life-threatening conditions, such as HIV/AIDS or cancer, require verifiable medical documentation and cannot be accepted without independent verification by qualified healthcare professionals,” the council said.
Risk to vulnerable patients
The regulator warned that unsubstantiated healing claims, especially when made by licensed health professionals, could mislead vulnerable patients and discourage them from continuing proven medical therapies. Such actions, it said, could result in “worsened health outcomes, drug resistance, or loss of life.”
While acknowledging the place of faith and spirituality in society, KMPDC cautioned against replacing conventional medical treatment with unverified practices.
“While faith and spiritual beliefs play an important role in many people’s lives, relying solely on unverified healing methods for serious illnesses can pose grave risks,” Dr. Kariuki noted.
The council strongly advised Kenyans not to abandon prescribed treatments for conditions such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy, and other chronic illnesses, warning that doing so contradicts established public health guidelines.
Investigations ongoing
KMPDC confirmed that it is conducting ongoing investigations in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other regulatory agencies.
“KMPDC is working closely with the Ministry of Health and other regulatory bodies to investigate these claims. Appropriate actions will be taken against any practitioner (or health professional) in order to safeguard public health, uphold medical ethics and protect citizens from misinformation,” the council said.
The regulator added that it would pursue legal action against any practices found to endanger lives or violate health regulations.
KMPDC reassured the public that Kenya’s healthcare system remains robust, pointing to continued investments in public health education, access to antiretroviral therapy, cancer care, chronic disease management, and medical research.
It also urged members of the public to report suspicious medical claims to relevant authorities for verification, reiterating its commitment to protecting public health and upholding ethical medical practice nationwide.
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