MP Kitur claims life in danger for exposing international organ trafficking syndicate

Nandi Hills Member of Parliament Bernard Kitur has alleged the existence of an international organ trafficking syndicate, with roots in Kenya, which has been carrying out illegal organ transplants.

The MP said the network goes beyond the Mediheal Group of Hospitals, which has been linked to the illegal trade in the North Rift region.

He claimed it is an intricate web of organized international organ trafficking syndicate, which has roped in more hospitals than those implicated.

The MP, who appeared before the National Assembly Health Committee to adduce evidence on the organ trafficking probe, which began Thursday for the next 90 days, detailed the network of a well-connected dragnet of organ traffickers in Kenya and beyond.

"Particular countries noted this, that there was an international racket of illegal organ harvesting. They ended up getting Ksh.450,000," Kitur said. 

The legislator told the Health Committee that the network had more affluent patients flocking to Kenya from Israel, Germany, Uganda, and Sudan to pick the organs and fly back.

Kitur, who was among the first whistleblowers of the illegal organ harvesting, said the syndicate has been active for years, preying on vulnerable patients and exploiting regulatory loopholes.

"They target young men with single mothers who can’t fight back. There are brokers, who came while the young men are at the shopping centres and told them there is an easier way to make money," the lawmaker added. 

The legislator added that both the donors and the recipients were given new identities to hide their true names and dodge security agencies.

The MP is now asking for more security, saying his life is in danger.

"A car was trailing my car last night in Brookside. They were from the DCI," Kitur pointed out. 

The first-term lawmaker has called for full compensation for the victims, who he says are now worse off, having to take regular medication after their surgeries.

The Mediheal Group of Hospitals has declined being involved in the syndicate.