Parliamentary Health Committee Probes Organ Trade Allegations at Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret
Representing Mediheal, lawyer Oiboo Morintat defended the facility, stressing that the hospital has always cooperated with investigations.
The session, which follows earlier hearings at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Oak Tree Hospital, and St. Luke’s Orthopaedic and Trauma Hospital, attracted emotional accounts from victims and their relatives,
By Mercy chelangat
The Parliamentary Health Committee, chaired by Seme MP Dr. James Nyikal on 29th August 2025, held a fact-finding session at Mediheal Group os Hospitals in Eldoret, where it listened to testimonies from alleged kidney donors, affected families, and the hospital’s officials and legal representatives as part of ongoing investigations into claims of illegal organ trade in Uasin Gishu County.
The session, which follows earlier hearings at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Oak Tree Hospital, and St. Luke’s Orthopaedic and Trauma Hospital, attracted emotional accounts from victims and their relatives, with new allegations linking brokers and alleged recruiters to the practice.
Victim’s Mother Speaks Out
In one of the most emotional submissions, a Mother from Thirua village, in Uasin Gishu narrated how her third child, Emmanuel Kipkosgei allegedly underwent a procedure at Mediheal that left them in pain and fear.
“He was lured that there is no jobs in Kenya, if you want a shortcut to get a job, you need to sell a kidney to get money,” she said tearfully, adding that her child later collapsed at home after being discharged.
She recounted reporting the matter to the police, obtaining an OB number, and seeking assistance from community members when her child’s health deteriorated. She said she was left searching for answers about her child’s condition and the money that was allegedly promised.
“I cried like a mother who felt pain in her womb… I cried to the government, I cried to the President of the Republic of Kenya,” she said, appealing for justice.
The woman further alleged that an acquaintance named Nabil persuaded her child to donate a kidney at Mediheal, a claim she said was also reported to police investigators.
Victim’s Account
Emanuel Kipkosgei, one of the alleged donors, also shared his experience with the media. He claimed he was introduced into the trade by a friend who later connected him to an elderly man.
“A white old man came and gave us KSh 50,000 each. I had never received such an amount of money and thought I would get even more,” Kipkosgei said.
According to him, he underwent weeks of tests in Nairobi and Eldoret before his kidney was removed at Mediheal Hospital. He alleged that he was promised KSh 1.2 million but was eventually paid only KSh 400,000 after the surgery.
Ammon Kipruto, another alleged kidney donor, also shared his experience with the media. He explained that he was first paid a meager amount while working at a construction site after a friend proposed the idea of selling his kidney. At the time, Kipruto said he didn’t think of the consequences.
“The payment I received was meager. At the time, I didn’t think of the consequences. Nowadays, sometimes I walk and then have to sit down to regain energy because I often lack strength,” Kipruto explained.
His mother, who accompanied him, spoke with tears in her eyes. “My child’s life is so bad. I ask the government to help us,” she said, pleading for assistance.
Alleged Police Extortion
Kipkosgei further alleged that he faced harassment and extortion from law enforcement after the operation.
“The DCI from Central Police Station came and arrested me again. They took my money and my phone. They took everything…at night I gave them KSh 20,000 and they took me home and they left,” he told the media.
He claimed he was later detained by another group of officers, whom he identified as Langas police,and again paid KSh 20,000 for his release. When he asked why he was being arrested, they gave no response.
Kipkosgei said that despite receiving money from the surgery, he has been unable to rebuild his life due to recurring health complications and financial strain that had him selling a motorbike and pool he had purchased earlier to pay for his medication.
Hospital Lawyer Responds
Representing Mediheal, lawyer Oiboo Morintat defended the facility, stressing that the hospital has always cooperated with investigations.
“As Mediheal has said before and we continue to do, they shall continue cooperating with the government and all investigative agencies to provide the information and all the documents that is required to make their investigations fruitful for the betterment of our country,” he said.
Morintat added that Mediheal has nothing to hide and welcomes scrutiny.
“Mediheal subjects itself to all scrutiny and investigation by the relevant agencies. And we believe that at the end of all those investigations and inquiries, that is when the vindication will be, “he stated.
He further noted that the session was “useful and interactive” and emphasized that each parliamentary or government inquiry had contributed towards establishing the truth.
Background of Investigations
The organ transplant investigation in Uasin Gishu has continued to draw national attention. As part of its inquiry, the Senate Health Committee has visited Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Oak Tree Hospital, and St. Luke’s Orthopaedic and Trauma Hospital in Eldoret. During the sessions, the centers denied complicity in criminal organ trade, claiming all their activities are in line with medical and legal regulations.
No Condemnation Yet
Even with the emotional accounts, the committee stressed that investigations are still ongoing. Chair Dr. James Nyikal said the hearings had provided useful information from victims, police, and hospitals, but final conclusions would only come after reviewing documents and reports. He added that the findings will also guide the Kenya Tissue Transplant Bill now before Parliament.
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