Former CJ Maraga slams government over organ trafficking response

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has condemned the government's response to recent accusations of organ trafficking at Mediheal Hospital and other health institutions across Kenya.

Maraga argues that authorities acted too late and only due to mounting international pressure rather than sincere concern for citizens.

In a message shared on his X account on Monday, April 28, 2025, Maraga voiced deep concern over the unfolding scandal, which has stunned the country.

The allegations surfaced after victims, including Amon Kipruto Mely and his mother, Leah Metto, came forward claiming they were subjected to unauthorized organ harvesting.

"If these claims are verified, they represent grave violations of Article 28 of the Constitution, which protects the Right to Dignity, and pose a potential threat to the Right to Life under Article 26," he said.

Maraga criticized the government for its failure to act on earlier warnings issued by medical associations, pointing out that concerns about organ trafficking had been flagged as early as May 2023.

"It is important to highlight that since May 2023, various medical bodies have been raising alarm over alleged cases of organ trafficking. Sadly, the government chose to ignore these alerts. Kenya Kwanza is only responding now because of international media pressure, showing once again that this administration only moves to protect its global image," Maraga said.

He acknowledged Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s decision to establish an Independent Investigative Committee on Tissue and Organ Transplant Services, but warned against allowing it to become a public relations exercise that skirts the real issues plaguing the health sector.

"This Committee must not be reduced to another PR gimmick. It should tackle the underlying failures within our healthcare system and the widespread violation of human dignity and life," he stressed.

The former head of the country's apex court called on the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council to fully enforce its regulatory responsibilities to safeguard the health and lives of Kenyans.

"Our people’s health is the foundation of our nation’s prosperity. We must do everything possible to shield citizens from exploitation," he urged.

Maraga further demanded swift action to tackle poverty, arguing that economic hardship is pushing vulnerable youth into the grip of criminal networks involved in organ trafficking.

Amid mounting concerns, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale ordered an immediate halt to all kidney transplant procedures at Mediheal Group of Hospitals.

"The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, EGH, has instructed the suspension of all kidney transplant operations at Mediheal Group of Hospitals with immediate effect and until further notice," the Ministry of Health announced on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Separately, through a statement issued by the State House Spokesperson on Friday, April 18, 2025, President William Ruto announced the suspension of Swarup Mishra, founder of Mediheal, from his position as chair of the Kenya BioVax Institute.

The President emphasized that Mishra’s suspension would remain in place pending the outcome of investigations into allegations of unlawful activities related to kidney transplants.