The Directorate of Criminal Investigations on Tuesday, April 22 announced that it had officially launched an investigation into the alleged trafficking of human organs by Mediheal Group of Hospitals.
Through the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), Kenya’s investigative agency will investigate allegations of unethical kidney transplant procedures at the hospital’s Fertility and Transplant Centre in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
“Whereas a number of such cases have been reported at various police stations and DCI offices across the North Rift region, TOCU takes over to harmonize all reports and statements previously recorded, record fresh statements from victims, suspects and anyone with relevant information, as well as employ forensic analysis for a painstaking probe,” the DCI says in a statement.
The Mohamed Amin-led agency is urging any persons (victims or otherwise) who may have information that could help in the investigations to come forward and record their statements with the Head of TOCU at the offices held at DCI Headquarters, Block B.
“The DCI remains committed to conducting investigations with utmost professionalism, with a view to deliver timely justice to both victims and perpetrators of crime.”
DCI’s announcement came at the same day when National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health also launched an 80-day public inquiry into the said allegations.
Seme MP Dr James Nyikal, who chairs the committee, said the inquiry will purpose to examine the legality, ethical compliance, and oversight of kidney transplant services at the facility.
“This is a serious matter that touches on the dignity of life and the reputation of Kenya’s medical profession. We intend to get to the bottom of it,” Dr Nyikal told journalists at Parliament Buildings. “We are going to ask critical questions. Were the procedures at Mediheal in line with the Health Act and Human Tissue Act? Was there evidence of organ commercialisation? Were donors fully informed, or were they deceived or coerced into donating?”
The Kenya Renal Association last year raised red flags over the growing trend of organ trade orchestrated by the hospital, which apparently involved vulnerable donors.
In a statement on May 3, 2024, the association called for the immediate suspension of the operating licenses for Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret over these allegations. At the time, the association cited the increasing trend of “transplant commercialization and transplant tourism” at the hospital which is prohibited by law.
“This is in direct violation of the World Health Organization resolutions, the Declaration of Istanbul, and Kenya’s Health Act 01 2017. which prohibits organ trade,” read the statement in part.
The had also called upon the DCI to expedite legal actions against individuals involved in illegal transplant activities.”
