Former Cabinet Secretary and ex-Presidential Economic Adviser Moses Kuria has taken issue with Health CS Aden Duale’s recent threat to revoke the citizenship of Mediheal Hospital founder Swarup Mishra, warning that such pronouncements could send the wrong message to investors.
In a strongly worded post on his official X account on Monday, August 4, Kuria criticized unnamed government officials for overstepping their mandates, indirectly referencing Duale’s public comments about stripping Mishra of his Kenyan citizenship over alleged organ trafficking.
“Sometimes I wonder,” Kuria wrote. “When a senior government official who is not in charge of immigration says we will cancel someone’s citizenship and deport them, do we stop to consider what investors make of our country?”
He added that such rhetoric could undermine due process, tarnish Kenya’s credit reputation, and drive away investors at a time when the country needs jobs and economic growth. “What of investors’ confidence? What of our credit rating? Where will our young people find employment if we keep making such declarations without following procedure?” he posed.
Kuria’s remarks come in response to comments made by Duale last Friday, August 1, during a press briefing on the findings of a government task force investigating Mediheal Hospital over claims of organ trafficking.
Duale stated that preliminary evidence had linked the hospital founded by former Kesses MP Mishra to illegal activities involving kidney transplants.
According to the Health CS, the investigation uncovered troubling allegations, including reports of young people who had their kidneys removed under questionable circumstances some of whom have reportedly disappeared.
He claimed that some victims had been paid off, and that attempts were made to obstruct the inquiry through intimidation and bribery.
“You cannot come to our country 20 years ago with nothing, make money, sell our organs, become an MP, and then threaten us,” Duale said. “If it means revoking your citizenship which was not by birth we will do it. We will close down your hospitals, and we will deport you.”
The CS said the government would not hesitate to act firmly, citing national interest and public health concerns.
A 13-member investigative committee tasked with probing the matter has since recommended that Mishra be apprehended and prosecuted.
The task force further linked Mishra to what they described as an international syndicate involved in organ trafficking, allegedly operating through the Mediheal facility.
