By Kelvin Sang, Eldoret
Swarup Mishra, the founder and chairman of Mediheal Group of Hospitals, has spoken publicly for the first time following the suspension of transplant services at the hospital and his removal as Chair of the Kenya BioVax Institute amid mounting allegations of organ trafficking.
Speaking at a press conference in Eldoret, Dr. Mishra expressed regret for not stepping aside earlier to allow investigations to proceed smoothly. “I was burying my father in India when the news broke,” he said. “Had I been in the country, I would have stepped aside much earlier to allow a smooth investigation process.”
Dr. Mishra was flanked by five senior advocates led by veteran lawyer Katwa Kigen. He stated his full commitment to cooperate with all government agencies and parliamentary bodies involved in the probe.
“I have no bad feelings against anyone,” he noted. “I am hopeful that investigations will vindicate both myself and Mediheal. If I am found guilty of any wrongdoing, I am ready to face the consequences.”
Advocate Katwa Kigen emphasized that Mediheal’s transplant program has operated within the legal framework provided by the Kenyan Health Act and adheres to international medical ethics.
“All transplants at Mediheal have been conducted under Section 8 of the Health Act, which provides for the legal and ethical parameters governing organ transplants,” said Kigen. “The hospital follows international protocols on donor-recipient consent, transparency, and medical ethics.”
He added that each transplant is backed by a year-long documentation trail, including legally binding agreements between donors and recipients.
Maryline Limo, Vice President of Mediheal Group, defended the hospital’s reputation, citing a record of 476 successful kidney transplants since 2018, including 105 for international patients. The hospital boasts a 98% success rate and zero donor fatalities.
“We have the best renal unit in Africa, valued at $5 million,” she said. “Our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art, minimally invasive technologies that reduce both waiting times and recovery periods.”
Dr. Srinivasa Murthy, a consultant nephrologist with over 20 years of experience, highlighted Mediheal’s unique gene-to-gene donor-recipient matching technology, calling it a game-changer that attracts patients from countries such as Israel, Germany, Oman, and the United States.
Since 2018, the facility has handled transplants for 62 Israeli, 3 German, and 372 Kenyan patients. With international patients paying up to $35,000 per procedure—compared to $2,500 for African nationals—Mediheal has become a top destination for medical tourists.
“Our short waiting periods and advanced genetic matching are setting global standards,” Dr. Murthy said. “We are proud that Kenya is on the global map for organ transplants.”
Dr. Mishra hinted that Kenya’s rising stature in the global medical tourism market may have unsettled some players abroad. “This is not a political witch hunt,” he said. “But it could be discomfort from countries not ready to see Kenya rise as a medical destination.”
