The National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Health chaired by Dr. James Nyikal (Seme) has questioned Mediheal Group of Hospitals over the integrity of its kidney transplant program, amid investigations into allegations of possible organ harvesting and irregularities in the recruitment of patients for transplantation.
Appearing before the committee chaired by Seme MP, James Nyikal on Monday, November 10, 2025, Mediheal’s Chief Consultant Nephrologist, Dr. A. Srinivas Murthy, was pressed to explain the hospital’s transplant procedures, donor sourcing, and adherence to medical ethics.
“There is no organ harvesting happening in Mediheal or anywhere else in Kenya to my knowledge,” he said.
He explained that Kenya’s legal framework only permits live kidney donations from willing relatives or close acquaintances, unlike in countries such as India or the United States, which have established deceased donor programs.
“The absence of a deceased donor framework continues to disadvantage patients who lack suitable living donors,” Murthy added.
Endebes MP Dr. Robert Pukose questioned inconsistencies in patient affidavits, particularly cases involving foreign nationals entering Kenya on medical visas.
Referring to a Swiss national, Maurice Nicholas Antonio, Dr. Pukose said, “If the patient came on a medical visa, it means he was already diagnosed abroad. But the documents show the illness was discovered here. That does not add up.”
In response, Murthy said some patients arrive before beginning dialysis and are further assessed in Kenya.
“Many come with kidney disease but are not yet on dialysis. We counsel and start dialysis if necessary before transplantation,” he said.
Lawmakers also raised concerns about the level of local participation in the hospital’s transplant operations.
Mediheal Chairperson Dr. Swarup Mishra said the facility initially relied on Indian medical experts but has since transferred skills to Kenyan professionals.
“When we started, we had Indian renal and ICU nurses. But after technology transfer, all nurses are now Kenyans,” Dr. Mishra said, adding that attracting full-time local nephrologists remains a challenge.
Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi urged a review of Kenya’s legal framework on organ donation to close existing gaps.
Committee Chair Dr. Nyikal confirmed that a Transplant and Organ Donation Bill is currently before the Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Mishra condemned misinformation circulating online that accuses Mediheal of organ trafficking.
“False statements were made in 2018, 2019, and 2021. We took legal action. It’s time to treat Africans in Africa,” he said.
Nyikal said the committee will continue scrutinising affidavits and hospital documents before releasing its findings.
“We will scrutinise every document carefully,” he said. “If necessary, we may call back witnesses, including some of the patients.”
