Kiambu County Appeals to Kenyans to Collect 81 Unclaimed Bodies at Thika Hospital

The County Government of Kiambu has announced plans to dispose of 81 unclaimed bodies at Thika Level 5 Hospital.

In a notice published on Monday, the county stated that the unclaimed bodies are currently 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 read. “Failure to which Thika Level 5 Hospital will seek authority from the courts to dispose of the unclaimed bodies.”

Nineteen of these bodies are from the hospital, with the earliest admission dating back to September 2021 and the latest in April 2024.

According to 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), and another is a transfer case.

The county reported that the remaining 61 unclaimed bodies are from various police stations.

The earliest admission was made in August 2023, and the latest was in April 2024. Most of these bodies are those of African males and unknown infants, with the rest being females.

These bodies were brought to the hospital from police stations including Thika, Ruiru, Kirwara, Ngati, Juja, Makongeni, Gatong’ora, Weitethie, Ndithini, Theta, Gatundu North, Gatanga, Ngoliba, Makuyu, Kenol, Ngoingwa, Kiandutu, Ol Donyo Sabuk, Ithanga, and Kimuchu.

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.