Former Chief Justice David Maraga has called on the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDU) to uphold its regulatory duties with integrity following recent allegations of organ trafficking involving Mediheal Hospital and other health facilities. Maraga’s remarks came after investigations uncovered a disturbing international organ trade network, with vulnerable young Kenyans allegedly being exploited as kidney donors.
In his statement, Maraga emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding the health of Kenyans, describing it as essential to the nation’s prosperity. He urged KMPDU to carry out its duties with professionalism, highlighting the need for accountability in the healthcare sector. “The health of our people is the wealth of our country,” he asserted, stressing that the health of citizens should be protected from exploitation by criminal syndicates involved in organ trafficking.
Maraga also drew attention to the broader societal issue of poverty, which leaves many young Kenyans susceptible to exploitation. He lamented the role of criminal networks and called for the prosecution of officials allegedly complicit in these illegal activities. “It is time to reset this country. We must restore hope and humanity,” Maraga affirmed.
The allegations, if confirmed, represent a grave violation of the Constitution, particularly Article 28, which guarantees the Right to Dignity, and Article 26, which protects the Right to Life. Maraga expressed deep concern over the testimonies of victims like Amon Kipruto Mely and others who have suffered as a result of the illegal trade.
Despite earlier warnings from medical associations as far back as May 2023, the issue went largely unaddressed by authorities until now. Maraga welcomed the Ministry of Health’s formation of an Independent Investigative Committee on Tissue and Organ Transplant Services, urging it to thoroughly investigate the allegations and recommend necessary reforms.
The ongoing investigation, led by Professor Elizabeth Bukusi, aims to review policies on organ transplants, probe malpractice, and assess systemic weaknesses, all in a bid to prevent further exploitation and uphold human dignity. The committee’s findings are eagerly awaited as Kenya grapples with this serious threat to public health and human rights.
