Residents and patients visiting Kakamega County Referral Hospital have raised concerns over the manner in which bodies are reportedly transported openly through hospital wards, saying the practice is causing fear, panic and emotional distress among patients.

According to a video circulating online, mortuary attendants are often seen moving bodies through patient areas at night using large mortuary trolleys, exposing vulnerable patients to traumatic scenes.

Residents claim the situation has left many admitted patients anxious and emotionally disturbed, with some reportedly fearing for their own lives after witnessing the movement of bodies through the wards.

Kakamega County Referral Hospital is the largest public health facility in western Kenya and serves thousands of patients from Kakamega County and neighboring regions.

In one emotional testimony captured in the video, a resident narrated a painful personal experience involving a sick child who later died while receiving treatment at the facility.

Other residents interviewed in the footage argued that the open transportation of bodies within patient areas negatively affects healing and recovery, especially for critically ill or emotionally vulnerable patients.

Some claimed patients have experienced panic attacks, sleeplessness and emotional breakdowns after witnessing bodies being moved through the hospital corridors and wards.

They have called on the hospital administration to review its procedures and establish more discreet ways of transporting bodies in order to shield patients from unnecessary psychological distress.

Residents further argued that hospitals should provide an environment that promotes healing and reassurance, rather than exposing patients to scenes that may increase fear and anxiety.