President Ruto Fires Mediheal Founder Swarup Mishra as Kenya Biovax Chair, Appoints Charles Githinji

President William Ruto has dismissed Dr Swarup Ranjan Mishra from his role as non-executive chairperson of the Kenya Biovax Institute Limited and appointed Dr Charles Githinji as his replacement, effective immediately.

The announcement was made in a gazette notice dated July 4, 2025, which officially revoked Dr Mishra’s appointment and confirmed Dr Githinji’s new role for a term of three years.

“I appoint Charles Githinji (Dr.) to be the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Kenya Biovax Institute Limited,” the notice stated. “The appointment of Swarup Ranjan Mishra (Dr.) is revoked.”

This decision follows the earlier suspension of Dr Mishra by President Ruto in April 2025 amid mounting scrutiny and investigations into Mediheal Hospital, which Dr Mishra founded. The health facility has come under fire over allegations of unethical practices within its kidney transplant program.

Dr Githinji, a seasoned medical professional and former chair of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, is expected to steer Kenya Biovax through a critical phase in the country’s efforts to strengthen its health systems and vaccine production capacity.

More details on the transition and its implications for the ongoing Mediheal investigations are expected in the coming days.

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President Ruto Fires Mediheal Founder Swarup Mishra as Kenya Biovax Chair, Appoints Charles Githinji