Scandal involving kidneys criticizes KMPDC, advocates for fresh organ legislation
In a shocking revelation, a government-appointed taskforce has uncovered a transnational kidney harvesting syndicate operating at Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. The syndicate, which has been linked to the hospital’s founder, Dr. Swarup Mishra, and several doctors, has been active for years, exploiting impoverished Kenyans and selling organs to wealthy foreign recipients.
The investigation, led by the Independent Investigative Committee on Tissue and Organ Transplant Services (IICTOTS), chaired by Prof. Elizabeth Bukusi, has highlighted severe regulatory oversight failures by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). The council has been accused of negligence and possible criminal collusion due to inaction despite repeated reports and complaints.
The syndicate operated across continents, with recipients and donors including Kenyans, Ugandans, Israelis, and many with undisclosed nationalities to obscure the operation’s international scope. Impoverished Kenyan donors were reportedly paid around KSh294,000 for organs that were sold for millions to wealthy foreign recipients, some paying up to $200,000 per transplant, demonstrating a highly predatory profit margin.
Investigators found suspicious practices such as a single surgeon and anesthesiologist performing 24 surgeries within 14 days, use of poorly completed affidavits, forged or irregular signatures, and patients mysteriously labeled as “mutual friends.” Poor documentation made verification of many donors’ and recipients’ identities impossible.
The taskforce recommends criminal prosecution of Dr. Mishra and three other doctors involved, as well as comprehensive legal and operational regulations for tissue and organ transplants in Kenya. The KMPDC has been urged to be investigated for these failures and lack of proper supervision over the highly specialized transplant services.
Meanwhile, in other news, the Wajir Governor has criticised Sifuna over anti-Ruto remarks, while the IEBC has nominated Harold Kipchumba to replace Mbadi. There are hiccups in Ruto's Mukuru affordable housing estate.
Elsewhere, Akothee has become an Ambassador, but the context is not specified. Millie is tackling cancer with courage and laughter, and Ann Njogu emphasises doing work with passion, purpose, and impact. The Standard channel is now available on WhatsApp, and a gospel singer has sued the SDA church over a ban.
- The issue of chronic kidney disease, a medical condition, has been brought to the forefront by the transnational kidney harvesting syndicate's activities, which show a complete disregard for health and wellness.
- The IEBC's nomination of Harold Kipchumba and the Wajir Governor's criticism of Sifuna signal that Kenyan politics continue to be complex, with various events unfolding simultaneously.
- While the medical world grapples with the ethical issues surrounding organ transplants, the field of science may offer solutions through the development of new therapies and treatments for chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease.
