CS Aden Duale Forms 13-member Committee to Probe Organ Trafficking Amid Mediheal Scandal

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has appointed a 13-member committee to investigate alleged organ trafficking in the country, following explosive claims against Mediheal Group of Hospitals.

The move comes after an exposé by German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) linked the private hospital to a global organ trafficking syndicate, triggering public outrage and demands for accountability.

In a gazette notice issued Wednesday, Duale named Professor Elizabeth Bukusi as chair of the newly formed Independent Investigative Committee on Tissue and Organ Transplant Services. The committee brings together scholars and regulatory experts with a broad mandate to examine unethical and potentially illegal practices in Kenya’s healthcare sector.

The team is tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of organ transplant services in the country, including identifying regulatory loopholes, scrutinizing transplant protocols, and assessing post-operative monitoring systems. It will also investigate Mediheal’s adherence to ethical and legal standards, particularly in light of claims that kidneys were harvested from vulnerable individuals and sold overseas.

Duale has since suspended all kidney transplant services at Mediheal hospitals pending the outcome of the investigation. Patients requiring such procedures have been redirected to licensed public and private facilities, including Kenyatta National Hospital and Aga Khan University Hospital.

Mediheal has denied the allegations. Its founder, Dr. Swarup Mishra, and senior officials maintain the hospital has complied with all legal and ethical standards.

Separately, the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health has launched a parallel public inquiry into the matter, further underscoring the seriousness of the claims.

President William Ruto has also acted, suspending Dr. Mishra from his role as chairperson of the Kenya BioVax Institute until the investigations are concluded.

The 13-member committee has three months to complete its probe. The findings are expected to shape future policy on organ transplant regulation and restore public confidence in the medical sector.