Nairobi City County has called on the public to help identify 107 unclaimed bodies at the Nairobi Funeral Home, formerly City Mortuary.
In a statement from the County’s Health, Wellness, and Nutrition sector, citizens who have lost contact with loved ones or are unsure of their whereabouts are urged to visit the facility and check if their relatives are among the deceased.
The county noted that the funeral home has exceeded its capacity, making it crucial for the public to come forward and identify the bodies.
This would help free up space at the mortuary as the county seeks court approval 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 statement read.
According to the Public Health Act (Cap 242), bodies must be kept for a minimum of three months before the county can seek a court order for their disposal. Following this period, a 14-day public notice is required before any further action can be taken.
The county sought court orders on September 20 to dispose of the 107 unclaimed bodies. However, the court declined the request on October 2, citing the need for the Attorney General to be served and allowed to respond, given concerns about 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 stated.
The delay in the disposal process has left the mortuary unable to accommodate more bodies, with over 600 bodies currently at the facility, far exceeding its capacity of 184.
