JOOTRH issues 21-day notice to dispose of 47 unclaimed bodies

The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has issued a 21-day public notice of its intention to dispose of 47 unclaimed bodies currently held at its mortuary. In a notice released by the hospital management, the remains comprise 32 adult males, 13 foetuses, one adult female and one skull. The hospital said the bodies have remained unclaimed for more than three months and are due for disposal in line with public health regulations. According to hospital records, the deceased were recovered from various locations within Kisumu County and surrounding areas, including JOOTRH, Kisumu Stadium, Otonglo Village, Daraja Mbili, the World Vision area, Kisumu Bus Terminus and Coptic. Other locations listed include Nyalenda, Holo, Nyawita, Kanyakwar, Usoma, Kibos, Carwash, Kapuonja, Kasawino, the central business district (CBD), Obunga, Arina, Manyatta and Lolwe, among others. JOOTRH said the causes of death vary and include sudden deaths, drowning, mob justice incidents, road accidents and abortion-related cases. The hospital stated that upon expiry of the notice on April 24, the bodies will be disposed of. Members of the public with missing relatives or loved ones have been urged to visit the JOOTRH mortuary to assist in identification before the deadline.