Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has officially assumed control of the ongoing probe into serious allegations of human organ trafficking linked to Mediheal Hospital’s Fertility and Transplant Centre in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
According to a statement issued Tuesday, the DCI’s Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) is now leading the inquiry, with the goal of consolidating fragmented reports from different police posts across the North Rift region.
While the agency has not revealed the total number of individuals potentially affected, it confirmed that multiple cases have been reported and initial statements have already been collected.
“The Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) of the DCI has now taken over the investigation involving Mediheal Hospital’s alleged involvement in human organ trafficking,” read the statement in part.
The unit will be responsible for reviewing previous reports, interviewing both victims and suspects anew, and conducting forensic analyses to ensure a thorough and coordinated investigation.
The DCI also called on the public to support the ongoing efforts by volunteering any relevant information that could assist the inquiry.
“We urge anyone—whether a victim or otherwise—who may possess information about the matter to record statements at the TOCU offices located at DCI Headquarters, Block B,” the statement added.
The directorate further emphasized its dedication to professionalism and transparency in delivering justice to all parties involved.
The claims against Mediheal have raised alarm among medical professionals and human rights advocates. These concerns followed a Ministry of Health-commissioned investigation, prompted by a July 2023 alert from the global Transplantation Society.
The Society flagged a pattern of unusual kidney transplant activity involving Israeli nationals in Kenya, pointing to a potential international trafficking network exploiting regulatory loopholes.
The ministry’s fact-finding team revealed that over the past five years, Mediheal—a licensed level 5 private hospital—had carried out 372 kidney transplants. Most recipients were from Kenya and neighboring countries, but others traveled from as far afield as Israel, the United States, Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
