Former Chief Justice Raises Alarm Over Organ Trafficking Scandal Involving Mediheal Hospital
In a country already grappling with challenges in its healthcare system, a new bombshell has rocked the nation. Former Chief Justice David Maraga has sounded a grim warning over what he describes as “outrageous violations” of human dignity and life in Kenya.
Taking to the X platform (formerly Twitter), Maraga expressed “deep concern” over suspected organ trafficking incidents linked to Mediheal Hospital and other health facilities, incidents that have recently attracted international attention.
In his emotional statement, Maraga did not mince his words:
“It should disturb the nation to watch the testimonials of Amon Kipruto Mely, his mother Leah Metto, Kennedy, and other Kenyans who are victims of these heinous acts.”
The former top judge referenced the moving testimonies of several Kenyans who claim to have fallen victim to organized crime syndicates trafficking human organs, including kidneys, under the guise of medical procedures.
Maraga’s comments come just days after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) accused Mediheal Hospital of being at the center of human parts trafficking — allegations which the hospital’s top management has strenuously denied.
In May 2023, various medical associations first raised red flags regarding the illegal harvesting and trade of human organs. However, according to Maraga, the government turned a blind eye.
“The government has largely ignored those reports,” Maraga noted with visible disappointment.
He further criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration, suggesting that meaningful action is only being taken now due to international media pressure:
“Kenya Kwanza is only taking action now following international media uproar. This is yet another confirmation that this government only acts when its international reputation is at stake.”
These allegations expose a critical flaw in the nation’s healthcare regulatory framework, leading many Kenyans to wonder: if Maraga’s allegations are true, how deep does the rot go?
Recognizing the establishment of the Independent Investigative Committee on Tissue and Organ Transplant Services by the Health Cabinet Secretary, Maraga warned that it must not be yet another whitewash:
“This Committee must not become yet again another PR stunt that does not address the broken healthcare system and rampant disregard for human life and dignity.”
The Committee’s role, according to Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, is to investigate claims of illegal tissue and organ transplants across hospitals. However, many observers share Maraga’s skepticism about whether this new body will truly deliver justice.
Maraga also made a direct appeal to the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDU), the body mandated to regulate medical practitioners and healthcare facilities:
“I call on the KMPDU to carry out its duties with utmost professionalism and integrity to protect the lives of Kenyans.”
Victims Speak Out: Heartbreaking Testimonies
The chilling testimonies from victims such as Amon Kipruto Mely and his mother Leah Metto offer a harrowing glimpse into the reality of organ trafficking in Kenya.
Amon, a 24-year-old boda boda rider, shared how he was tricked into undergoing a “medical check-up,” only to wake up with one kidney missing. His mother, Leah, tearfully narrated their ordeal:
“They told us it was a free check-up. We trusted them. Now my son’s life will never be the same.”
Kennedy, another victim, disclosed how he was lured with promises of employment abroad, only to find himself trapped in a nightmare where his vital organs were forcibly removed without his consent.
“I feel betrayed, not just by the criminals, but by a system that failed to protect me,” he lamented.
These testimonies have sparked outrage across Kenya and have called attention to the urgent need for comprehensive reforms.
In his statement, Maraga emphasized that the root cause of this exploitation is rampant poverty among Kenyan youth.
“It is critical that we address the poverty that is driving so many young people to be exploited by criminal groups trafficking organs and kidneys.”
In many rural areas, economic hardships make desperate young people easy prey for trafficking networks that offer cash incentives or false promises of better opportunities.
Experts believe that until systemic poverty is eradicated, vulnerable populations will continue to fall victim to exploitation.
“Poverty is not just a statistic; it is the weapon that criminals use against our youth,” Maraga stressed.
Impunity at the Top: A Rotten System?
Perhaps most damningly, Maraga pointed fingers at high-ranking officials, suggesting that some are complicit in the illegal trade.
“It is urgent to end the greed and impunity of high-ranking officials involved in this organized crime.”
This statement has set social media ablaze, with many users demanding that the government expose and prosecute the so-called “big fish” behind the scandal.
“Organ trafficking cannot thrive without protection from within the system. It is time for heads to roll, no matter how high they are in government.”
Public Outcry: Kenyans Demand Justice
In the hours following Maraga’s statement, the hashtag #ThePeopleShall began trending on X, with thousands of Kenyans sharing their anger, fear, and frustration.
One user wrote:
“If our hospitals can no longer be trusted, where will the common mwananchi turn to? We demand transparency and justice NOW!”
Another commented:
“Maraga is right. The system is broken. If we don’t act now, more lives will be lost to greed.”
Protests have been scheduled in major cities, with civil society groups demanding an independent international probe into the scandal.
What Happens Next?
With the establishment of the Investigative Committee and growing pressure from both local and international communities, the government is now under immense pressure to act.
However, many Kenyans remain skeptical, fearing a potential cover-up or the scapegoating of low-level players while real masterminds walk free.
“We have seen such investigations before. They announce them loudly, then quietly bury the reports when attention shifts elsewhere,” said human rights activist Dr. Rachel Kamau.
Maraga’s passionate call for a “reset” of the country’s governance systems has rekindled national conversations about accountability, transparency, and respect for human dignity.
In his final words, Maraga urged the nation:
“It is time to reset this country. We must restore hope and humanity.”
I have followed with deep concern recent reports of suspected organ trafficking involving Mediheal Hospital and other health facilities in Kenya.
It should disturb the nation to watch the testimonials of Amon Kipruto Mely, his mother Leah Metto, Kennedy and other Kenyans who… pic.twitter.com/FpPO8xxjyc
The organ trafficking scandal, as exposed by David Maraga, is a powerful reminder that Kenya’s healthcare system — and indeed, its governance structures — are at a crossroads.
Will the country seize this moment to clean up its institutions and protect its citizens? Or will this, like many other scandals before it, simply fade away from the national memories?
