City mortuary receives 247 bodies, 87 above average, in month of protests
Nairobi Funeral Home (formerly City Mortuary) received a staggering 247 bodies in a month at the height of the youth anti-tax demonstrations, a report from the facility has revealed.
According to Nairobi Public Health Chief Officer Tom Nyakaba, the mortuary receives on average around 160 bodies a month.
The latest development raises further concerns about the exact number of people who lost their lives during the month-long demonstration, with exact figures not yet known.
According to the data, recorded between June 25 and July 26 and based on a police register, the morgue had 115 bodies registered as ‘unknown’.
Of these, 60 are still in the mortuary as unidentified or unclaimed, with the relatives or next of kin unaware of their presence in the facility.
The other 55 bodies were registered as unknown but were later identified by relatives or next of kin, according to the report.
On the other hand, 102 bodies were admitted with full names and relatives or next of kin were aware of them.
The remainder were body parts admitted in connection with the Kware incident, 17 of which are still unidentified and awaiting DNA identification.
This figure is rounded off by 13 foetuses or perinatal corpses admitted as unidentified, according to data compiled by government pathologist Dr Sylvester Maingi.
The alarming figures coincide with the period when the youth, especially Gen Z, took to the streets to oppose tax hikes proposed by President William Ruto’s administration.
The demonstrations, which began in mid-June, resulted in at least 60 deaths, according to a report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
The commission’s report said another 66 people were still missing, bringing the total number of people arrested to 1,376.
According to the report, protests took place in at least 23 counties, with 17 counties reporting casualties, and Nairobi bearing the brunt with at least 21 deaths.
According to KNCHR and the Defenders’ Coalition, at least 29 people died in connection with the protests in other counties, raising questions about the number of bodies received at the Nairobi mortuary.
Nakuru (3), Laikipia (2), Narok (1), Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu (4), Kakamega (2), Kisumu (3), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1), Nandi (1), Embu (1), Homa Bay (1), Nyeri (1) and Bungoma (1).
Interestingly, Dr Maingi was quick to point out that all protest related deaths were promptly identified, autopsies carried out, mortuary bills waived and bodies released to relatives or next of kin for burial.
“From the distribution of police stations of origin, I believe that the remaining unclaimed/unidentified bodies admitted during this period were NOT related to protests,” Dr Maingi said.
“Therefore, yesterday’s media reports were malicious and not based on evidence,” he added.
The pathologist was responding to a media report after human rights organisations claimed that the unknown bodies at the mortuary, excluding those recovered from an open pit in Kware, Nairobi, had gunshot wounds.
“Some of the bodies have gunshot wounds. We are asking those whose relatives are missing to also check at City Mortuary,” said Hussein Khalid, lawyer and executive director of VOCAL Africa.
On average, the City Mortuary receives about seven bodies a day, according to an interview with the director of the City Mortuary, Dr David Wanjohi, in September 2021.
Mr Wanjohi said the mortuary always receives bodies, whether they are private, police cases or accidents, and in August this year the mortuary recorded its lowest number of bodies at 60.
The number of bodies in the mortuary will now put the spotlight on the government at a time when the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) has complained of a lack of cooperation from the police in its attempts to investigate human rights abuses by security officers.
The IPOA has been pressing for the speedy investigation and prosecution of all individuals, including police officers, found guilty of human rights violations in the policing of the demonstrations.
However, it has accused the police of refusing to provide deployment plans, arms registers and records of their use, and of ignoring summonses issued by it.
Commissioner Joseph Waiganjo, in an interview with a local media outlet, said they were considering seeking arrest warrants against some senior commanders and officers who he said were blocking their access to key documents.
Mr Waiganjo claimed that the commission was also being frustrated by some public hospitals which were refusing to provide medical records for injuries allegedly sustained during the protests.
“It is not just the lack of cooperation from the police high command, but also from some government institutions,” Mr Waiganjo said.
“We have visited some major public hospitals trying to get medical records of those involved in the demonstrations and those whose injuries we believe are related to gunshot wounds, and the institutions are not giving us the cooperation we need.”
The commissioner alleged that there may be a special unit set up by the government to deal with the riots, which is shielded from accountability.
“As an authority, we suspect that there is a special unit being sent out there to commit atrocities, apart from the usual operations,” he said.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.