Prophet David Owuor Calls for Government Probe Into Alleged Faith Healings After Medical Watchdog Warning
Renowned Kenyan cleric Prophet David Owuor has publicly called on the government to launch a formal investigation into claims of miraculous healings linked to his ministry, amid growing scrutiny from medical regulators.
In a statement issued on Sunday, January 5, Owuor said his ministry possesses what he described as extensive medical documentation relating to individuals who claim to have been healed during his large-scale religious crusades across the country.
The controversial preacher urged the Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), to subject the alleged healings to independent medical scrutiny, insisting that he was not seeking unquestioned acceptance of the claims.
“Given that we have extensive medical documentation spanning numerous cases, we are calling on the Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Health and the KMPDC, to conduct a thorough, formal investigation of these documented healings,” Owuor said.
“We are not asking for blind acceptance. We are asking for an examination.”
Owuor further stated that once such an investigation is concluded, the findings should be released publicly, allowing Kenyans to form their own conclusions based on verified evidence.
“Once the said investigation is complete, we believe the findings should be made public. Kenyans deserve to know what’s actually happening — whether these healings hold up under scrutiny or not,” he added.
KMPDC Raises Alarm Over Faith-Based Healing Claims
Owuor’s remarks come barely a day after the KMPDC issued a strongly worded warning following reports that serious medical conditions were allegedly healed through faith-based interventions at a recent religious crusade in Nakuru.
In a statement released on Saturday, January 3, KMPDC Chief Executive Officer Dr David Kariuki said the council had taken note of widespread media reports and public discussions surrounding claims that illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, blindness, deafness, muteness and physical disabilities had been cured through prayer.
“The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has taken note of recent media reports and public discourse concerning claims of faith-based healing for serious medical conditions,” the statement read.
The council noted that some of the claims were reportedly made by medical practitioners within a religious setting, raising serious concerns about public safety, ethics and professional conduct.
“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 added.
“The Council unequivocally condemns such statements by medical practitioners, which are based on unverified claims.”
Warning Over Public Health Risks
KMPDC reiterated that all medical treatment in Kenya must adhere to scientific evidence, rigorous testing and regulatory approval, warning that unsupported claims of curing life-threatening diseases could mislead vulnerable patients.
“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.
The regulator cautioned that unsubstantiated claims, particularly when made by trained health professionals, could discourage patients from continuing proven treatments, potentially leading to worsened health outcomes, drug resistance or loss of life.
While acknowledging the importance of faith and spirituality in many people’s lives, the council warned against abandoning prescribed medical treatment in favour of unproven alternatives.
“Relying solely on unverified healing methods for serious illnesses can pose grave risks,” the statement continued.
“KMPDC strongly advises the public against abandoning prescribed medical treatments… as such actions contradict established public health guidelines.”
Investigations Underway
KMPDC confirmed that investigations into the matter are already underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other regulatory bodies, adding that disciplinary or legal action will be taken against any practitioners found to have violated medical regulations.
“Appropriate actions will be taken against any practitioner in order to safeguard public health, uphold medical ethics and protect citizens from misinformation,” the council said.
The unfolding standoff between faith-based healing claims and Kenya’s medical authorities has reignited a national debate over the limits of religious practice, scientific evidence and patient safety.
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Prophet David Owuor Calls for Government Probe Into Alleged Faith Healings After Medical Watchdog Warning