Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has initiated a major investigation into claims of illegal organ trade at Mediheal Hospital’s Fertility and Transplant Centre in Eldoret, located in Uasin Gishu County.
The DCI announced that its specialized Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) has been assigned to lead the inquiry. The unit is expected to consolidate evidence and testimonies that have been collected from multiple police stations across the North Rift region, all related to the allegations against the hospital.
While the DCI did not disclose specific figures, it confirmed that several cases had been flagged, and that it had already begun collecting new statements from victims, witnesses, and suspects. Forensic methods will also be employed to verify the claims.
“TOCU will handle all aspects of the case — from harmonizing earlier reports to recording fresh statements and applying advanced forensic techniques,” the agency said.
The public has been encouraged to assist by providing any relevant information that could support the investigation. Those willing to come forward can contact TOCU officers at the DCI headquarters in Nairobi.
The case came to light after a global watchdog, the Transplantation Society, raised alarms over a concerning rise in kidney transplants in Kenya, particularly involving Israeli patients. Their report, dated July 2023, implied that a possible international network may be operating in violation of medical and legal standards.
Following the warning, the Ministry of Health formed a taskforce that conducted a comprehensive audit of Mediheal’s operations. Their findings revealed that over 370 kidney transplants had been carried out at the facility over a five-year period. While many patients were local, others came from as far as the United States, the UK, Japan, and Australia — raising further questions about the legitimacy and regulation of the procedures.
In light of the controversy, Health CS Aden Duale suspended two ministry officials who were closely linked to transplant oversight:
- Dr. Maurice Wakwabubi, then acting director of Kenya’s national transplant services
- Dr. Everlyne Chege, who chaired the investigative team
Separately, President William Ruto suspended Dr. Swarup Mishra, Mediheal’s founder and former Kesses MP, from his leadership role at the state-owned Kenya BioVax Institute.
The unfolding scandal has ignited national debate, with medical professionals and civil society groups urging for tighter scrutiny of organ transplant operations in the country. The DCI has pledged to conduct the investigation with integrity and transparency, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
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