LSK calls for urgent action amid allegations of organ trafficking in Kenya
In a statement, the LSK outlined a series of urgent initiatives it believes must be undertaken to prevent further human rights violations and restore accountability in Kenya’s medical system.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has urged urgent and comprehensive action to confront the growing organ trafficking crisis in Kenya, amid allegations implicating Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret.
The LSK expressed grave concern over reports of illegal kidney transplants, warning that the scandal points to serious breaches of medical ethics, human rights, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
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Mediheal Hospital, specifically named in the reports, has come under intense scrutiny following claims of unethical transplant procedures and the trafficking of organs, particularly kidneys.
In a statement, the LSK outlined a series of urgent initiatives it believes must be undertaken to prevent further human rights violations and restore accountability in Kenya’s medical system.
These proposals come amid damning reports linking local healthcare facilities to illegal kidney transplants and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, including foreign patients flown into the country for procedures.
Chief among the LSK’s recommendations is a call for the Cabinet Secretary for Health to prioritise the formulation and implementation of long-overdue regulations under the Health Act, 2017, which would provide a legal framework for tissue and organ transplants.
"It is crucial that the Cabinet Secretary for Health prioritises the creation of regulations under the Health Act 2017. We stress that these regulations should be developed through thorough public engagement and expert consultations to ensure they address the most urgent concerns of the Kenyan people," said Faith Odhiambo, President of the LSK.
The LSK also welcomed the ongoing investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) through its Transnational Organised Crime Unit.
However, it expressed concern over reports of threats and intimidation directed at victims and potential witnesses, urging the National Police Service and the Victims Protection Board to guarantee their safety and bring perpetrators to justice.
“We call on our investigative authorities to exercise extreme vigilance and diligence in concluding these investigations,” stated LSK.
Furthermore, the LSK called on the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to tighten the vetting of healthcare professionals, particularly foreign doctors, to prevent unqualified or rogue practitioners from operating in the country under lax oversight.
“We invite KMPDC to undertake more robust vetting and due diligence of medical practitioners and health facilities before issuing licenses to practice, and ensure that Kenya does not become a haven for rogue practitioners evading regulatory oversight in their own countries.”
The society also demanded transparency and accountability regarding the Ministry of Health’s Independent Expert Committee, which was tasked with auditing kidney transplant services at Mediheal Hospital over the past five years.
The LSK called on the committee to submit its findings within 90 days and urged the Ministry to involve civil society organisations and professional bodies in providing technical support to ensure thorough investigations.
“The pervasive nature of this issue affects multiple facets of Kenyan society, and it is crucial that LSK, Civil Society Organisations, and other professional bodies be actively involved and engaged in providing technical support to the Expert Committee,” stated the Society.
Odhiambo reiterated the society's commitment to safeguarding the public interest and promoting constitutional values, stating that the LSK would remain engaged in efforts to uncover the truth behind these allegations of organ trafficking and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
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