KNH Responds After Death of Dr. Daniel Ndege Chacha

KNH Clarifies Death of Doctor Who Died Working for Free and Body ‘Detained’

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has issued a statement regarding the mystery surrounding the death of Dr. Daniel Ndege Chacha, a University of Nairobi Medical Registrar attached to the hospital’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department.

This comes after reports that Chacha died due to his inability to afford medical care and that his body was allegedly detained by the hospital, which is reportedly demanding Ksh 300,000.

According to Daily Nation, Daniel Chacha treated patients without pay, but when he fell ill two weeks ago, KNH allegedly denied him medical attention because he could not afford it.

KNH Addresses Death of Daniel Chacha and Detaining His Body

However, KNH in a statement on Wednesday, March 19, said Chacha was referred from a hospital in Kitengela on Monday, March 10, 2025, and upon arrival, he was rushed to the Accident and Emergency Department in critical condition.

“Doctors diagnosed him with severe Liver and Kidney conditions. Despite not being registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), KNH facilitated his immediate registration and promptly admitted him and ensured he received urgent medical attention as required,” read the statement in parts.

Also Read: Family of Man Brutally Murdered in KNH Breaks Silence

According to KNH, a multidisciplinary team comprising Liver and Kidney Specialists worked tirelessly to stabilize his condition.

But his condition worsened, requiring admission to the Critical Care Unit.

“Despite the efforts by our team of specialists, Dr. Chacha unfortunately succumbed to his illness on Friday, March 14, 2025. His family was immediately notified,” KNH added.

“Dr. Chacha’s illness was complex, but he received the highest standard of care throughout his stay at ΚΝΗ.”

KNH emphasized that that it did not detain his body, but it was released from the KNH Farewell Home to the family and transported to Migori County on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

“Contrary to allegations circulating in some media outlets and statements by Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentist Union (KMPDU) officials, KNH did not detain his body,” KNH added.

Also Read: KNH Gives Chilling Details Leading to Murder of Patient

SHA Remittances Causes Stir

Deputy Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Dennis Miskellah had alleged that Chacha died on Monday March 17, and his body detained at the facility.

“The family cannot afford to sort out the bill, and KNH, which should have submitted its remittances on time, and which refused to treat him, has refused to waive the bill and has detained his body until the bill is cleared. Unfortunately, he leaves behind an expectant wife,” Miskellah said.

A senior manager at KNH, who spoke to Daily Nation on condition of anonymity, stated that Dr. Chacha was not an employee of the hospital and that his medical cover was the responsibility of the University of Nairobi (UoN).

“He was a resident doctor and a master’s student. As such, it was UoN’s responsibility to provide him with medical cover, not KNH. He was not on our payroll,” the official said.

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