The Ministry of Health has suspended two senior officials in a move aimed at protecting the integrity of an ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal organ transplant fiasco.
Dr. Maurice Wakwabubi, the acting head of Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services (KBTTS), and Dr. Everlyne Chege, the Ministry’s technical lead, have been suspended with immediate effect.
The announcement was made on Wednesday.
According to the Ministry, the suspensions are intended to "eliminate any potential conflict of interest" as investigations continue.
Dr Chege chaired a multidisciplinary probe in December 2023. The Ministry says her suspension, along with Dr. Wakwabubi’s, will ensure the process remains independent and objective.
“This step is necessary to eliminate any potential conflict of interest and to ensure that further investigations proceed independently and objectively in accordance with relevant laws,” the statement read.
No details were given about the specific investigations or allegations.
In the meantime, Dr. Martin Sirengo, Senior Deputy Director of Medical Services, has been appointed to lead the KBTTS.
The Ministry said Dr. Sirengo will take charge during the interim period. It did not indicate how long the temporary appointment would last.
The Ministry’s actions come amid heightened scrutiny of the country’s blood transfusion and transplant services. Officials are under pressure to maintain transparency and public trust.
The statement emphasized the importance of following due process.
It added that the steps taken are part of efforts to ensure accountability within the health sector.
Further updates are expected as investigations proceed.
