Residents in Nairobi have been given a seven-day ultimatum to identify the bodies of their loved ones lying unclaimed at three mortuaries in the city.
In a notice issued by the Nairobi City County, it was revealed that there are 130 unclaimed bodies at City Mortuary, 38 at Mbagathi Hospital Funeral Home, and 17 at Mama Lucy Kibaki Funeral Home.
These unclaimed bodies have accumulated in the mortuaries between September 2021 and December 2023, with registrations originating from various police stations.
According to the public notice, “Pursuant to Public Health Act Cap 242 [Subsidiary: PUBLIC HEALTH (PUBLIC MORTUARIES) RULES, 19911 (2)], interested members of the public are asked to identify and collect the below-named bodies within 7 days, failure to which the Nairobi City County will seek authority for disposal.”
Patrick Analo, Acting County Secretary and Head of County Public Service, disclosed that most of the bodies are victims of murder, accidents, or natural causes. He urged the public to come forward and identify the bodies within the stipulated period, emphasizing that failure to do so will prompt the Nairobi City Council to seek authorization for their disposal.
