Thieves broke into the War Memorial Hospital morgue and stole a body that had been preserved over a pending medical bill of Ksh 921,000.
The Chief Executive Officer of Nakuru War Memorial Hospital, Patricia Musale, confirmed the robbery incident on Friday, February 23, after discovering that the body of 73-year-old Madalene Mwikali was missing from the cold room. Mwikali’s body had been stored at the mortuary since September 28, 2023.
Initially, Mwikali’s family attempted to collect her body, but they were thwarted by police officers who had placed the hospital under lock and key. Their efforts were further hindered by ongoing disputes between the hospital and the county government, which resulted in accumulated bills for the entire duration the body was stored, leaving the family in distress.
Tragically, Mwikali lost her life at the same hospital after battling illness, adding to her family’s anguish. Despite seeking legal recourse to claim the body, the hospital continued to deny access, citing the unpaid bill.
Even with a court ruling in their favor allowing the family to collect the body, they were still obstructed by county askaris stationed at the building, rendering the court order ineffective. Despite a Nakuru Environment and Land court order instructing the county government to resume hospital operations pending further ruling, the hospital remains closed.
In light of the hospital’s disregard for the court order, the case has been escalated to a Nairobi court under the same jurisdiction, underscoring the urgent need for justice and accountability in this distressing situation.
