The County Government of Kiambu has announced the disposal of unclaimed bodies at Thika Level 5 Hospital.
In a notice published on the Monday dailies, the county stated that 81 unclaimed bodies are lying at the hospital’s General Kago Road Funeral Home awaiting collection.
“Pursuant to the Public Health Act Cap 242 (Subsidiary: Public Health (Public Mortuary) Rules, 1991) (2). Interested public members are therefore requested to identify and collect the bodies within 14 days from the date hereof,” the notice reads.
“Failure to which Thika Level 5 Hospital will seek authority from the courts to dispose of the unclaimed bodies.”
Nineteen of the bodies are from the hospital, with the earliest admission being in September 2021 and the latest being in April 2024.
As per the notice, most of the unclaimed bodies are male.
The deceased passed away either in the casualty wards or the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) wing.
One of the unclaimed bodies is from the Outpatient Department (OPD) while another is a transfer case.
The County said the other 61 unclaimed bodies are from various police stations.
The earliest admission was made on August 2023 with the latest being on April 2024.
Most of the bodies are those of African males and unknown infants, with the rest being females.
The bodies were brought to the hospital from police stations including Thika, Ruiru, Kirwara, Ngati, Juja, Makongeni, Gatong’ora, Weitethie and.
Others are from Ndithini, Theta, Gatundu North, Gatanga, Ngoliba, Makuyu, Kenol, Ngoingwa, Kiandutu, Ol Donyo Sabuk, Ithanga and Kimuchu police stations.
Kiambu County has followed the steps taken by Nairobi County, which since August has reported unclaimed bodies lying at the Nairobi Funeral Home (formerly City Mortuary).
On October 6, the County urged individuals who have lost contact with loved ones or are uncertain of their whereabouts to visit the funeral home (to verify if their relatives are among the unclaimed bodies.
This came in the wake of a severe capacity crisis at the facility, which is currently housing over 600 bodies, far exceeding its capacity of 184.
"The funeral home has surpassed its capacity, and it is now imperative for the public to identify their deceased relatives to free up space. The Nairobi City County is also seeking court approval to dispose of the unclaimed bodies," the statement read.
According to Public Health Act Cap 242, bodies must be kept for at least three months before a court can order their disposal.
Additionally, the law mandates a 14-day public notice before any further action can be taken.