The Nairobi City County Health, Wellness, and Nutrition sector on Sunday, October 6, called on members of the public whose loved ones are missing to visit the Nairobi Funeral Home (formerly City Mortuary) and verify if their relatives are among the unclaimed bodies currently lying there.
This statement comes amid a rise in cases of abductions and extrajudicial killings.
The Authority noted that the funeral home has exceeded its capacity, making it urgent for members of the public to identify the deceased with a view to freeing up space at the funeral home as the Nairobi City County seeks leave of court to dispose of the unclaimed bodies.
“The Public Health Act cap 242, states that bodies must be stored for at least three months before leave of court can be obtained for their disposal.
City Mortuary filled to the brim
“Following this period, a 14-day public notice is required before any further steps can be taken,” part of the statement read.
According to the Authority, the county sought court orders on September 20 for the disposal of 107 unclaimed bodies lying at the facility.
Also Read: Puzzle as City Mortuary Records Over 50 Bodies with Gunshot Wounds in One Month
However, the court on October 2 declined to issue the order of disposal stating that the Attorney General (AG) must be notified and allowed to respond to their application due to several cases of extra-judicial killings.
The Authority attributed the excess bodies at the Nairobi Funeral home facility to the court injunction which is set to be mentioned on October 15 after they notified the Attorney General as the court directed them.
Court injunction results in delay of body disposal
“These 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,” the Wellness and Nutrition body claimed.
According to the Authority, once the court grants them the order they have requested, it will enable them to conduct their services effectively.
Also Read: Nairobi City Mortuary on the Spot Over Fake Documents for Protests Victims
“A mention at Milimani Court on October 15th,2024. where the County is expected to seek a court order to dispose of bodies that have been unclaimed for several months. This will help ease the burden on the facility and open its doors to the public,” read another statement.
The authority further called on the public to assist them in identifying their loved ones, to alleviate the pressure being experienced at the funeral home.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
