Ailing Kenyan in South Africa Denied a Kidney Because He's a Foreigner

A Kenyan refugee who fled to South Africa in 2007 during the political violence that erupted in his country now has to endure the pain of watching his life coming to an end – because he is a foreigner.

Dishon Muriuki, 37, urgently requires a kidney transplant, but he does not qualify as he is “not a permanent resident of South Africa”.

He has been admitted to Addington Hospital for kidney dialysis treatment, but will be disconnected soon.

Fellow Kenyan refugee Damuris Kibe told The New Age that they had lost hope after finding that every avenue to get treatment for Muriuki was closed.

Kibe said even attempts to get the Human Rights Commission to intervene in the matter had been unsuccessful.

She alleged an official at the HRC’s Durban offices had promised to write to the minister of health and call them later with an update.

“Up to today we are still waiting for that call. This matter is very urgent as I am not convinced he can survive after he is released from the hospital as they said they will release him and give him medication to use at home.”

Kibe also produced a letter allegedly written by Prof A Assonga from Chief Albert Luthuli Hospital where kidney patients are transferred and treated.

The letter states that Muriuki can’t have a kidney transplant because he is not a permanent resident of South Africa and his relatives have been advised about it.

“The patient and five relatives have been counselled regarding the fact that he does not qualify for the kidney programme because of his asylum seeker status,” the letter reads in part.

Provincial health spokesperson Chris Maxon did not respond to questions regarding Muriuki’s matter.

Kibe argued that in most dire cases health asylum seekers or refugees are exempted from many laws governing their host countries on grounds that they find themselves outside their countries not of their own will.

“This is an urgent matter that cannot wait for laws to change. What makes matters worse is that Muriuki’s wife was deported to Kenya two months ago. This has added to Muriuki’s stress; his prospects are dim.

Source: The New Age