House inquiry uncovers illegal organ harvesting network in North Rift

Departmental Committee on Health chairperson James Nyikal during inquiry into illegal organ transplants in North Rift, June 5, 2025. /NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

An inquiry has revealed that Mediheal hospital was not the sole facility linked to unlawful organ harvesting in North Rift region.

Investigations have revealed that the hospital was merely one of the conduits in a wider scheme involving unregulated clinics, rogue medical staff, and unscrupulous brokers.

Nandi Hills MP Benard Kitur, the whistleblower, told Parliament’s Departmental Committee on Health that the operation has been active for years, exploiting vulnerable individuals in rural areas and taking advantage of regulatory gaps.

Appearing before the committee, chaired by Seme MP James Nyikal, Kitur said young people in impoverished communities were misled with false offers of lucrative medical opportunities.

“While Mediheal remains in the spotlight, fresh evidence shows it is part of a wider network. Other private institutions, licensed and unlicensed, may also be involved in illegal kidney transplants and unethical procurement,” Kitur said.

He cited the case of one of the victims who was promised Sh1.2 million to donate his kidneys.

According to Kitur, the organ donor received only Sh50,000 in advance and Sh400,000 afterwards, with the balance unpaid.

His health has since deteriorated.

“There are brokers who approached him at a shopping centre. They promised easy money for a simple procedure in town,” Kitur added.

The committee has launched a 90-day public inquiry into alleged malpractice in kidney transplant services.

In the case cited by the MP, Kitur said the victim was first tested at a different facility before being transferred to Mediheal. He declined to name the initial hospital.

This omission drew concern from Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli, who questioned why such information was being withheld, warning it could undermine the transparency of the investigation.

Nyikal also questioned where the victim was initially assessed to confirm donor suitability, suggesting the process appeared prearranged.

Endebess MP Robert Pukose, a medical doctor, urged the committee to widen the investigation and avoid focusing solely on Mediheal.

“This isn’t limited to one hospital. If multiple facilities are involved, singling out one raises questions,” he said.

Nyikal acknowledged the need for thorough investigations, saying the existence of a syndicate may require a more extensive probe.

Ndhiwa MP Martins Owino called for caution in handling the matter, warning that disclosing too much information could lead to suspects going into hiding.

He recommended private interviews with victims and in-camera sessions.

Preliminary findings suggest some procedures were carried out without proper consent, documentation, or follow-up care.

In some instances, falsified records were reportedly used to facilitate the transplants.