Maraga urges KMPDU to protect Kenyan lives amidst organ trafficking claims

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has urged the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDU) to discharge its regulatory duties with full integrity and professionalism.

In a statement following the recent reports of suspected organ trafficking involving Mediheal Hospital and other health facilities, Maraga noted the need to regulate medical practitioners.

"I call on the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDU), as the body mandated to regulate medical practitioners and healthcare facilities, to carry out its duties with utmost professionalism and integrity to protect the lives of Kenyans," he urged.

Maraga emphasised that safeguarding citizens' health is fundamental to the nation’s prosperity.

"The health of our people is the wealth of our country. We must do all we can to protect citizens from exploitation," he said.

He further underlined the urgent need to address the poverty that leaves many young Kenyans vulnerable to exploitation by criminal syndicates involved in organ trafficking, and to hold accountable the high-ranking officials he accused of aiding the illicit trade.

"It is time to reset this country. We must restore hope and humanity," Maraga affirmed.

He condemned the alleged organ trafficking, warning that the scandal represents a grave threat to the nation's dignity and human rights.

"I have followed with deep concern recent reports of suspected organ trafficking," Maraga said.

 "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."

He stressed that, if confirmed, the allegations amount to "outrageous violations of Article 28 of the Constitution—the Right to Dignity—and a potential threat to the Right to Life (Article 26)."

Maraga noted with regret that warnings about organ trafficking were raised by various medical associations as early as May 2023, but were largely ignored by authorities

He acknowledged the move by the Ministry of Health to set up an Independent Investigative Committee on Tissue and Organ Transplant Services, urging it to deliver on its mandate.

In the gazette notice issued on Wednesday, April 23, the committee is to be chaired by Professor Elizabeth Bukusi and comprises twelve members.

It is mandated to review existing policies and legal frameworks governing organ transplants, conducting investigations into allegations of malpractice and non-compliance and assessing systemic weaknesses and risks of unethical practices.

The committee is also expected to investigate reports of illegal organ trade and trafficking involving Mediheal Group of Hospitals, review clinical documentation, and interview key stakeholders in transplant services.

The saga erupted after an investigation by DW in collaboration with fellow German public broadcaster ZDF and Der Spiegel news magazine, which uncovered an alleged international network of organ donors and recipients.

Kidney donors included vulnerable young Kenyans in search of money, but also sellers who were flown in from countries including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Pakistan.

The desperate recipients paid hundreds of thousands of dollars and were identified in Israel and Germany.