Mediheal scandal: CS Duale launches organ trafficking investigative committee

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has assured the country that there will be no interference with investigations into allegations of organ trafficking at Mediheal Group of Hospitals.

Duale, who officially inaugurated a 13-member independent investigative committee to probe the cases, says investigations, which will extend to audits of all transplant facilities in the country, should focus on truth, transparency, and transformative justice.

The three-month assignment is set to transform organ and tissue transplant services in the country.

"We will not shield any wrongdoing, we will not entertain impunity, and we will not fail in our duty to respect, protect lives, and uphold the law," said Duale.

Duale, who last week suspended two senior Ministry of Health officials for bungling the report prepared by a committee formed in 2023—and which was allegedly doctored—has assured the new committee of its independence.

"There was coercion. They were told that orders were from above. I want to assure you that there will be no orders from above. There will be no orders from this ministry or from the presidency. We want the truth to come out. Don’t listen to sideshows. Don’t listen to lawyers," he said.

The team has been tasked with, among other duties, to conduct physical audits of all transplant facilities in the country, review policy, legal, and ethical frameworks governing organ and tissue transplant services and review all documentation, donor-recipient consent forms, and governance systems at Mediheal.

With investigations kicking off, Duale has suspended all organ transplant services at Mediheal.

"We are here not just to investigate a hospital, but to rebuild the trust of Kenyans in their health system. Trust is not granted. It is earned through truth, accountability, and reform," said Duale.

The Chairperson of the committee, Prof. Elizabeth Bukusi, added, "We will observe the highest level of ethics and professionalism in the execution of the mandate you have given us. We shall endeavour to give all parties a fair hearing, and we will be guided by existing laws, policies, and guidelines."

On his part, Medical Services PS Ouma Oluga said, "They should also bring forth a report that can inform clinical workflows across all medical services."

The committee is expected to finalise its investigations and submit a detailed report by July 22nd—a report that will guide the Ministry of Health on the next course of action.