.jpg)
Nairobi City County has called upon the public to identify
107 unclaimed bodies at the City Mortuary.
In a statement from the County’s Health, Wellness and
Nutrition sector, it urged those who have lost contact with their loved ones or
are unsure of their whereabouts to visit the Nairobi Funeral Home and verify if
their relatives are among the unclaimed bodies currently lying there.
The county said currently, the funeral home formerly
City Mortuary, has exceeded its capacity, making it urgent for the public to
identify the deceased.
This is with a view of freeing up space at the funeral
home as the NCCG seeks leave of court to dispose of the unclaimed bodies.
“The public is urged to assist by identifying their
loved ones, to alleviate the pressure being experienced at the funeral home,” the
County said.
Citing the Public Health Act cap 242, the County
stated that bodies must be stored for at least three months before leave of
court can be obtained for their disposal.
“Following this period, a 14-day public notice is
required before any further steps can be taken,” it explained.
The county sought court orders on September 20, for
the disposal of 107 unclaimed bodies lying at the facility.
However, the court on October 2, declined to issue the
order of disposal stating that the Attorney General must be served and allowed
to respond to the county’s application due to several cases of extra-judicial
killings.
“The general public is hereby notified that the County
has served the Attorney General’s office and the matter will be mentioned on October
15, 2024,” the county said.
NCCG said the circumstances have led to a delay in the
disposal process, leaving the facility unable to accommodate more bodies.
Presently, the facility holds over 600 bodies, while
its capacity is just 184.