Magarini MP Harry Kombe has vouched for reflexology, claiming it is a therapeutic cure for HIV and other illnesses and that it "reactivates men's sexual organs".

Kombe said a patient diagnosed with HIV at an early stage can be cured by reflexology which he said does not require medicine.

But Vernon Mochache, Head of Research at the National Aids Control Council, said there is still no cure for HIV.

"Several scientists are still trying to find a cure for HIV but we do not have one yet," he told the Star when reached for comment on Wednesday.

that scientists were taking the battle to prevent HIV to the next level with large-scale trials.

They were set to start using injections to protect vulnerable groups such as gay men and women in Africa for at least two months.

Further down the road, the hope is to produce matchstick-sized implants containing slow-release drugs - similar to existing under-the-skin contraceptive devices - that could offer year-long protection.

Companies with drugs involved include GlaxoSmithKline, Gilead Sciences and Merck.

Regarding sexual activity, Kombe said: "Men who were [sexually] inactive will regain energy and have great performance with their spouses again."

The MP added that reflexology also heals people who have suffered stroke, high blood pressure, stress, kidney failure, infertility and brain tumors.

He cited the case of a 60-year-old woman who gave birth in Nairobi in January by way of the technique but did not give details.

Reflexology refers to the application of appropriate pressure to specific points of the feet, hands and ears. Reflexologists believe these reflex points correspond to different body organs and systems and that pressing them has a beneficial effect on the organs and a person’s general health.

Kombe said he has taken time off his busy schedule to attend to patients and that hundreds, including MPs, have been cured of various ailments.

“I developed interest in the therapy after suffering kidney complications for long and taking medicines that did not cure me. [I got healed after finding a reflexologist]," he said.

The MP revealed this at a rally at Chamari on Tuesday and said he was in the process of training people in reflexology to create employment.

Kombe learned the skill from scholar Comulus Baya who went to Japan to study organic farming and alternative technology. The scholar was additionally trained in reflexology and returned in 2012.

Baya told journalists reflexology is a natural alternative to medication.

“Reflexology helps reduce toxins in the body. Many people, including the elderly, are suffering and spend a lot of money on medication but are not aware of the therapy," he said.

The MP said he graduated last year and embarked on the aggressive training in areas including Magarini.

He said a 15-minute session in rural areas costs between Sh200 and Sh500 while from Malindi town and beyond experts charge up to Sh2,500.

Trainer Dennis Ngenja said they have trained 57 people and that 33 others will graduate in July.

Others in Kombe's team said many people do not know about the therapy and have been suffering silently while relying only on medicine prescribed by doctors.

Last year, Kombe introduced the technique as a subject in his Hollyways Secondary School. He plans to push for the amendment of the health law for its inclusion in the curriculum.

The legislator told journalists after his graduation last year that thousands of people were suffering quietly at their homes.

He said the body has so many complications that require not only medication but the electronic treatment through foot rubs.