Mediheal Probe: Foreigners Paid Sh30m for Kidneys as Kenyan Donors Got a Fraction, MPs Told
A parliamentary inquiry has unearthed a shocking kidney trafficking syndicate at Mediheal Group of Hospitals, where foreign patients reportedly paid up to Sh30 million for transplants while impoverished Kenyan donors received as little as Sh50,000—or nothing at all.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health, Nandi Hills MP Bernard Kitur—the whistleblower behind the exposé—detailed how foreign nationals from Israel, Germany, Uganda, and Sudan were flown into the country and received kidneys sourced from vulnerable Kenyans.
“Some donors were promised up to Sh1.2 million but only received a fraction. One victim got Sh50,000 before the surgery and Sh400,000 after—but never received the balance,” Kitur testified.
He said many victims were approached by brokers in public places, especially near shopping centres, and lured into the illicit trade with promises of easy money.
The inquiry, chaired by Seme MP James Nyikal, heard disturbing testimonies of exploitation, falsified identities, and poor medical follow-up. Many donors, primarily young men from rural areas, are now living with deteriorating health and no recourse to justice.
Syndicate Targeted Vulnerable Youth
Kitur explained that donors were misled about the risks and promised large payouts. In some cases, they were given forged foreign identities to facilitate illegal surgeries.
“The ID of Amon Kipruto Melly was taken and replaced with a fake foreign ID,” said Kitur, calling it a clear case of identity fraud designed to bypass ethical and legal barriers.
The MP accused Mediheal, owned by former Kesses MP Dr. Swarup Mishra, of being at the centre of the racket. However, he added that the scandal likely spans multiple private hospitals and rogue clinics.
“While Mediheal remains in the spotlight, the evidence points to a wider syndicate involving licensed and unlicensed health institutions,” he told the committee.
MPs Demand Broader Investigation
Several MPs called for the inquiry to be widened beyond Mediheal, warning that focusing solely on one facility could derail the search for justice.
“We need a broader investigation that captures the full scope of malpractice,” said Endebess MP Robert Pukose, who is also a medical doctor.
Dr. Nyikal echoed these concerns, saying: “This is clearly a syndicate. We may need to investigate more hospitals and more people.”
Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino urged caution, suggesting some hearings be held behind closed doors to protect victims and prevent suspects from fleeing.
“Revealing everything too soon risks alerting the syndicate. We should consider in-camera sessions,” he said.
Allegations of Fraud and Medical Malpractice
According to preliminary findings, many kidney transplants were conducted without informed consent or proper medical documentation. In some instances, donor-recipient records were forged, and surgeries were allegedly carried out by unqualified or foreign doctors operating with limited oversight.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has already launched an audit of foreign doctors, while pressure mounts for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to act on over 380 files related to the case.
Threats and Calls for Compensation
Kitur revealed that his life is now under threat, but vowed to continue pushing for justice. He urged the government to ensure victims are compensated and protected.
“These young men were preyed upon and harmed. The system failed them. Now it’s time for the government to act,” he said.
The inquiry will run for 90 days and is expected to deliver a comprehensive report on Kenya’s kidney transplant practices—including recommendations on regulation, oversight, and legal reforms to prevent similar exploitation in the future.
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Mediheal Probe: Foreigners Paid Sh30m for Kidneys as Kenyan Donors Got a Fraction, MPs Told