Kenya Health Regulator Probes Doctors Over ‘Miracle Healing’ Claims at Prophet Owuor Crusade
Kenya’s medical regulator has launched investigations into doctors who allegedly made claims of miraculous healing during a high-profile religious crusade led by Prophet David Owuor in Nakuru, warning that unverified faith-based cures pose serious risks to public health.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) said it was “deeply concerned” by reports that licensed medical professionals publicly endorsed claims of divine healing for serious and life-threatening conditions, including HIV/Aids, cancer and physical disabilities, during the Menengai revival meeting held on December 30–31.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday — and later endorsed by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who shared it on X — the regulator said the claims lacked scientific proof and could undermine trust in evidence-based medicine.
“The KMPDC has taken note of 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 statement read.
“These claims, attributed to certain medical practitioners during a religious crusade in Nakuru, have raised profound concerns regarding public health safety and professional ethics.”
The statement was signed by KMPDC Chief Executive Dr David Kariuki, who stressed that all medical interventions must meet strict scientific and ethical standards.
“All medical treatments and interventions must be grounded in scientific evidence, rigorous testing, and regulatory approval,” the council said.
“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.”
‘Grave risks’ warning to the public
While acknowledging the role of faith in society, the council warned that abandoning conventional treatment in favour of unproven spiritual claims could have dangerous consequences.
“While faith plays an important role in the lives of many individuals, reliance solely on unverified healing methods poses grave risks to patient health and public safety,” KMPDC cautioned.
The regulator confirmed it has opened investigations into the conduct of the medics involved and vowed to take appropriate disciplinary action once the probe is concluded.
Crusade draws huge crowds
The warning comes after tens of thousands of worshippers flocked to Menengai Grounds in Nakuru City for the annual Menengai 8 Revival Meeting, popularly dubbed the Grand Mega Healing Service.
The event, led by Prophet Owuor, drew massive crowds from across Kenya and beyond, with many attendees arriving on crutches or wheelchairs, hoping for healing. Others battling chronic or internal illnesses were publicly declared “healed” during the crusade, sparking jubilation among worshippers and widespread discussion on social media.
To followers and attendees, the December event was hailed as a spiritual milestone. However, health authorities say the public celebration of cures — particularly when endorsed by trained medical professionals — risks misleading patients into abandoning treatment or delaying critical care.
Prophet Owuor’s ministry traces its roots to Nakuru in the early 2000s, and his annual gatherings have become among the largest religious events in the country, frequently causing traffic disruptions and prompting heavy security deployment.
As investigations continue, KMPDC has reiterated its commitment to protecting patients and upholding professional standards, insisting that medicine must remain firmly rooted in science, not spectacle.
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Kenya Health Regulator Probes Doctors Over ‘Miracle Healing’ Claims at Prophet Owuor Crusade