Over 380 files handed to DCI in Mediheal organ trafficking probe
On Wednesday, the hospital’s lawyers, Katwa Kigen and Conrad Maloba, submitted the documents to the DCI’s Transnational Organised Crime Unit after being summoned to explain the facility’s kidney transplant procedures.
Mediheal Hospital has turned over 382 patient and donor files to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations amid a deepening probe into alleged organ trafficking.
On Wednesday, the hospital’s lawyers, Katwa Kigen and Conrad Maloba, submitted the documents to the DCI’s Transnational Organised Crime Unit after being summoned to explain the facility’s kidney transplant procedures.
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Maloba said the hospital had to obtain a court order before releasing the records due to confidentiality rules between doctors and patients.
“We have been summoned by the DCI to submit documentation with respect to kidney transplants,” Maloba said, confirming that the hospital had handed over extensive records and its standard operating procedures. “We have just delivered the files, our Standard Operating Procedures, patients' records, about 382 files of patients and donors,” he added.
The DCI’s Transnational Organised Crime Unit is now tasked with reviewing the documents as part of a broader investigation into how the transplants were conducted. Maloba said the court will offer further direction on what elements can be used in court.
The submission marks a key step in a probe ordered by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who suspended all kidney transplants at Mediheal and launched an expert-led audit of the facility’s operations.
The 13-member committee appointed by Duale is expected to examine clinical practices, governance, and ethical standards at the hospital and submit its findings within 90 days.
The probe was launched after complaints about procedures at Mediheal’s Eldoret branch, with concerns ranging from cross-national donor-recipient matches to allegedly poor transplant outcomes.
Despite the serious allegations, Mediheal has consistently denied any involvement in illegal activity.
Its founder, Swarup Mishra, maintains that the hospital’s work is entirely legal and medically sound.
“We are not involved in any trafficking, we are not involved in any syndicate, and we are not involved in any criminal enterprise related to any issue of kidney transplants,” said Kigen.
Mediheal has also rejected claims that patients received transplants despite failed compatibility tests. Mishra said the facility used advanced genetic matching technologies to ensure safety.
“We did the level four, that is not only cross-matching, HLA matching, but genetic mapping, so gene-to-gene, so reaction is zero,” Mishra said.
Kigen said the hospital has ensured that all donor consent is properly recorded and legally sound.
“In the affidavits to the donors, we have made sure that they confirm that they have understood the legal provision that exists in relation to donation, and we have made sure that it indicates they have the liberty to withdraw even at the last minute,” he stated.
The lawyers also insisted that the hospital does not pay donors for organs. Mishra said that while the hospital charges millions for the transplants, no compensation is offered to those who give their kidneys.
As the DCI reviews the files, Mediheal remains firm in its stance that it has done nothing wrong and is fully cooperating with investigators.
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