Eldoret, Kenya – The release of the DW documentary exposing a dark, illegal kidney trade at Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret has caused national uproar — but for many locals, the revelations come as no surprise.
In the streets of Eldoret, whispers about questionable kidney transplants at the upscale private hospital have lingered for years. Tales of young men vanishing for weeks and returning with surgical scars, or foreign patients flown in for mysterious procedures, have been part of local gossip. Now, with DW’s investigation making headlines, that gossip has turned into grim reality.
“We’ve known. The whole town has known. The only difference now is that the world knows,” says a boda boda operator who has worked near the hospital for over a decade.
“While the World is Shocked, We Are Not”
While the world is still in shock after the revelations of the DW exposé, Eldoret people are not surprised. What’s truly shocking is that the illegal kidney trade is still ongoing, despite multiple reports being made to authorities as early as 2022.
Eldoret Leo covered this story way back in 2024, highlighting first-hand accounts and community concerns that went largely ignored. In fact, many locals believe that these very allegations were among the reasons Dr. Swarup Mishra, the founder of Mediheal, lost his MP seat — a political fall many attribute to long-standing whispers of malpractice within his facility.
In a late response that appears to be more about saving face than seeking justice, the government has now suspended Dr. Mishra from his position as BioVax Chair Kenya, following mounting pressure from the public and global media.
An Open Secret?
The documentary features testimonies from young Kenyans allegedly lured into selling their kidneys for as little as KSh 700,000 — only for their organs to be sold to wealthy foreigners at exorbitant prices. Mediheal Eldoret has been mentioned prominently, accused of being a hub for “transplant tourism” and exploitation.
Medical professionals and human rights advocates are calling it a “healthcare horror story.” Yet, many Eldoret residents are asking: Why is this being treated like breaking news when the signs have always been there?
“You’d see luxury cars, ambulances at odd hours, foreign patients coming in and out. Something never added up,” notes a former Mediheal employee who requested anonymity.
Calls for Accountability Grow Louder
The Kenya Renal Association and National Assembly Health Committee have demanded urgent action, including suspension of licenses and criminal prosecution. But in Eldoret, where trust in enforcement has long been eroded, there is skepticism.
“We’re used to stories coming, people shouting, and then things going quiet. This time, we hope it’s different,” shares a local youth leader.
A City in the Spotlight
Eldoret, often known for athletics and academic excellence, now finds itself under an unwanted spotlight. The scandal is damaging not only Mediheal’s reputation but also the city’s image as a growing medical and commercial hub.
There is rising concern about how deep the network runs — and whether others may have turned a blind eye.
Community Reactions
Locals have taken to social media, some expressing anger, others posting “I told you so” messages. The Eldoret diaspora has also weighed in, demanding justice and transparency.
“For too long, the poor have been preyed upon. It’s time for accountability — not just for Mediheal, but the entire system,” tweeted a prominent Uasin Gishu activist.
Final Word
The DW documentary may have shocked the world, but in Eldoret, it has simply validated what many feared — or already knew. What remains to be seen is whether this global attention will finally bring justice, reform, and healing to a community long haunted by quiet truths.
But one thing is clear: Eldoret’s own media has failed its people.
Despite years of rumors, whispers, and firsthand stories about the illegal kidney trade, local media outlets remained largely silent — offering no investigative reporting, no exposés, and no real pressure on authorities.
This silence has cost lives, trust, and justice. As national and international media step in to uncover the truth, Eldoret’s residents are left asking: Why did it take an outsider to tell our story?
