Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration has issued a critical notice urging Kenyans to identify and collect the bodies of their relatives within seven days from three different mortuaries in the county. This urgent call comes as there are 185 unclaimed bodies currently lying in these mortuaries, as stated in a notice released by Acting County Secretary and Head of County Public Service Board, Patrick Analo, on Tuesday, March 26.
According to the notice, City Mortuary holds the highest number of unclaimed bodies, with 130 individuals yet to be claimed by their families. Additionally, Mbagathi Hospital Funeral Home and Mama Lucy Kibaki Funeral Home are housing 38 and 17 unclaimed bodies, respectively. These bodies have accumulated between September 2021 and December 2023, originating from various police stations across the region.
The notice, citing the Public Health Act Cap 242 [Subsidiary: PUBLIC HEALTH (PUBLIC MORTUARIES) RULES, 19911 (2)], emphasized the need for interested members of the public to identify and claim these bodies within the stipulated seven-day period. Failure to do so would prompt the Nairobi City County to seek authorization for disposal.
Patrick Analo further highlighted that the majority of these unclaimed bodies are individuals who met tragic fates, including victims of murder, accidents, or natural causes. The identification and claiming of these bodies not only fulfil legal obligations but also provide closure and dignity to the deceased and their families.
This call from Nairobi County underscores the importance of timely and responsible handling of deceased individuals, ensuring proper procedures are followed, and respecting the rights and wishes of the deceased and their loved ones.
