MTRH, Uasin Gishu County Resolve Standoff Over Burial of Unclaimed Bodies
Dr Kirwa attributed the situation to the mortuary’s limited capacity, saying the facility was operating beyond its holding capacity amid a growing backlog of unclaimed bodies.
Dr. Phillip Kirwa, CEO of MTRH, addresses the media at a past event .
By James Gitaka
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) Chief Executive Officer Dr Phillip Kirwa has announced that a standoff between the hospital and the Uasin Gishu County Government over the burial of unclaimed bodies has been resolved, following public outcry over the handling of two bodies that police officers from Yamumbi were reportedly forced to keep in their vehicles for more than 12 hours.
The incident sparked criticism of the hospital’s management and Governor Jonathan Bii’s administration after mortuary attendants reportedly declined to receive the bodies of two men suspected of theft who were allegedly killed by a mob in the Cherunya area.
Dr Kirwa attributed the situation to the mortuary’s limited capacity, saying the facility was operating beyond its holding capacity amid a growing backlog of unclaimed bodies.
The hospital is alleged to be holding more than 200 unclaimed bodies, placing additional pressure on its mortuary services and complicating efforts to receive more remains.
The dispute also comes amid allegations that the county government had declined to provide the hospital with a designated burial site for unclaimed bodies, raising questions about the coordination between the two institutions in managing unidentified remains.
The resolution follows mounting pressure from members of the public, who demanded an explanation for the treatment of the two bodies and called for a clear framework for handling similar cases.
According to reports, residents of Cherunya alerted police officers from Yamumbi Police Station after the two men were allegedly beaten to death by a mob following claims that they had attempted to steal mobile phones.
Police officers collected the bodies and transported them to the MTRH mortuary. However, the facility reportedly declined to receive them, forcing the officers to return to the police station with the remains before making another attempt to deliver them to the hospital early Monday morning.
The incident triggered criticism from residents, who questioned why the officers had been left to move the bodies between the police station and the hospital.
“It is disturbing to see police officers being forced to move bodies back and forth instead of ensuring they are received at the mortuary. We want the hospital management to explain what happened and establish a clear procedure for handling such cases,” said Edwin Barasa, a Cherunya resident.
Langas village elder Musita Odinga also called on the county government to clarify allegations surrounding the burial of unclaimed bodies and the charges associated with their disposal.
“The county government needs to explain why they are refusing MTRH to bury unclaimed bodies and the many charges they have been demanding for the last two years. Members of the public deserve clear information on what is going on,” Odinga said.
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