Maraga slams government's delayed response to organ trafficking scandal
Maraga pointed out that the government’s response only came after the issue gained widespread attention in international media.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has condemned the suspected organ trafficking in Kenya, accusing the government of delaying action despite alarming reports from medical associations since May 2023.
His criticism follows growing media attention on the issue, particularly involving Mediheal Hospital and other healthcare facilities.
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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.
Maraga pointed out that the government’s response only came after the issue gained widespread attention in international media.
He accused the Kenya Kwanza government of acting only when its international reputation was at risk, rather than addressing the issue promptly when it was first raised.
“It is worth noting that various medical associations have raised alarm over allegations of organ trafficking since May 2023. The government has largely ignored those reports,” stated the ex-Chief Justice in a statement on his X account.
Maraga referred to the testimonials of victims, including Amon Kipruto Mely, his mother Leah Metto, and Kennedy, who have shared their horrifying experiences, highlighting the human suffering behind the suspected illegal organ trade.
“It should disturb the nation to watch the victims' testimonials. If confirmed, these allegations are outrageous violations of Article 28 of the Constitution — the Right to Dignity — and a potential threat to the Right to Life under Article 26,” he stressed.
Maraga also took note of the Health Cabinet Secretary’s establishment of the Independent Investigative Committee on Tissue and Organ Transplant Services.
However, he warned that this committee should not become just another public relations stunt that fails to tackle the systemic issues within Kenya’s healthcare system.
He stressed the importance of genuine reforms to address the broken healthcare system, which has allowed such exploitation to flourish.
Further, Maraga called on the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDU) to ensure that medical practitioners and healthcare facilities uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
“This Committee must not become yet another PR stunt that ignores the broken healthcare system and the rampant disregard for human life and dignity. I urge the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council to fulfil its mandate with the highest level of professionalism and integrity to safeguard the lives of Kenyans,” Maraga stated.
Poverty link
Highlighting the role of poverty in the suspected organ trafficking cases, Maraga warned that economic desperation is pushing many young Kenyans into the hands of criminals who exploit them for their organs.
He urged the government to address the underlying social and economic factors that make vulnerable populations easy targets for traffickers.
Maraga called for an urgent reform of the country’s healthcare system and an end to the impunity that allows high-ranking officials to be involved in such crimes.
“It is time to reset this country. We must restore hope and humanity,” he said, urging the government and all stakeholders to prioritise the protection of human life and dignity.
Kenyans who were reported to have received payment for donating their kidneys reportedly volunteered to testify before the teams investigating Mediheal Hospital.
Responding to the allegations of organ trafficking, Mediheal Group founder Swarup Mishra stated that he was willing to face the law if found guilty of any involvement in the alleged activities.
He dismissed the accusations, saying that the hospital had performed 476 kidney transplants since November 2018, including procedures for 62 Israeli patients, and insisted that all operations were conducted legally and ethically.
Mishra, who was flanked by Lawyer Katwa Kigen, dismissed the accusations as baseless and announced plans to sue the German media outlet Deutsche Welle (DW) over the exposé, which he termed defamatory.
“This report is malicious and harmful to the integrity of our hospital. It is based on non-factual investigations,” Mishra said.
“These claims are entirely unfounded and are not supported by any credible evidence. We remain committed to delivering ethical, safe, and world-class healthcare to our patients and reaffirm our unwavering dedication to medical integrity.”
Lawyer Kigen confirmed that a demand letter had already been issued to DW. “We probably should just mention also that we’ve issued a demand letter to the German media outlet for false misrepresentation.”
He also dismissed reports that some organ donors had expressed concerns for their safety following the exposé.
Kigen noted that Mediheal began performing kidney transplants in November 2018 after receiving official licensing and authorisation from the Ministry of Health. “We have a letter from the Ministry of Health to that effect.”
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