10 popular medical scams in Kenya that unsuspecting victims easily fall for

Many Kenyans are increasingly turning to alternative treatments and health products that promise quick solutions to different illnesses and health problems.

But according to health professional Dr Moses Kihuga, popularly known online as The Healthwise, some of these treatments and products make medical claims that he says have no proven basis and could leave unsuspecting consumers wasting their money or exposing themselves to unnecessary risks.

In a video, Kihuga highlighted 10 practices he described as medical scams, ranging from heat therapy and questionable diagnostic machines to parasite cleanses, detox treatments and products marketed through multi-level marketing schemes.

Heat therapy

One of the practices Kihuga warned against is a treatment offered at some spas where a wet towel is placed on a person’s skin, followed by a dry towel and a flammable substance that is then set on fire.

He said practitioners may claim the heat draws toxins, diseases and back pain out of the body.

“If you want to verify that this is a scam, ask them the specific toxin that they’re going to remove and then go get that toxin or that disease tested in a laboratory,” Kihuga said.

He argued that the treatment offers no proven benefit beyond the effects of heat while exposing users to a fire hazard.

Machines that claim to diagnose everything

Kihuga also warned about machines where users place their hands on sensors and receive reports claiming to identify problems affecting organs such as the liver, kidneys and bladder.

He suggested testing the same person repeatedly, arguing that the results may change from one test to another.

He contrasted such machines with conventional laboratory testing, which he said should consistently identify a genuine medical condition.

Kihuga further warned that consumers may be encouraged to buy expensive herbal products after receiving such diagnoses.

Fancy blowers claimed to treat diseases

Another treatment he questioned involves machines that practitioners claim can treat conditions such as fibroids, arthritis and joint pain by blowing air or another form of energy at the patient.

Kihuga suggested that anyone with fibroids should first have them medically imaged, undergo the treatment and then have the condition assessed again.

“There will be no difference,” he claimed, comparing the machines to equipment used for drying hair.

Colon cleansing

Kihuga also questioned the health claims surrounding colon cleansing, which can involve introducing water through the rectum or taking laxatives to empty the bowel.

He said the body already has natural systems for moving waste through the digestive tract.

“If you feel that there is something stuck in your colon, go see a doctor,” he advised.

He said doctors can use procedures such as colonoscopy to examine the bowel when medically necessary.

Parasite cleanses

Parasite cleanses were also on Kihuga’s list.

He said people selling such products should instead direct consumers to laboratories where suspected parasitic infections can be properly tested.

Kihuga noted that appropriate medical tests can help identify parasitic infections and criticised claims that illnesses such as cancer are caused by parasites without scientific evidence.

Foot detox machines

Another treatment he described as a scam involves placing the feet in a basin containing water and salt while an electrically powered device is connected to the water.

The water may eventually turn brown, with sellers claiming that toxins have been drawn out through the feet.

Kihuga said the colour change is instead related to a chemical process involving the device and its components, rather than toxins being removed from the body.

“Just plug that thing into power, put that water, add salt and don’t put your legs in there,” he said.

Medical products sold through MLM schemes

Kihuga also warned about health products marketed through multi-level marketing, or MLM, schemes.

He specifically mentioned pendants that are claimed to protect users against airborne diseases such as tuberculosis.

He urged consumers to be cautious about medical claims attached to products sold through such schemes.

Magnetic and copper bracelets

The doctor also questioned claims that magnetic and copper bracelets can improve blood circulation, increase energy or provide other health benefits.

He warned that such products should never be viewed as substitutes for proper medical treatment.

Using hypertension as an example, Kihuga said wearing a bracelet should not replace proper management of the condition.

Eating the placenta

Kihuga also criticised the practice of consuming the placenta after childbirth, either directly or in capsule form.

He argued that claims surrounding its health benefits are not sufficiently supported by evidence and warned that consuming it could expose people to unnecessary risks.

Drinking water from copper containers

The final practice on Kihuga’s list was the belief that storing or drinking water from a copper container automatically kills harmful bacteria.

He challenged the claim by suggesting that people have water tested in a laboratory after storing it in a copper container.

According to Kihuga, the presence of copper does not mean water is automatically safe from all microorganisms.