An 80-year-old widow, Hellena Kigetu Ntwomo, from Miruriine village in Meru County, Kenya, is urging Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) to release her son's body for burial. Her son, Benjamin Ntombura, 52, died on August 9, 2026, while receiving treatment at the hospital's ICU Unit. The body has been at the hospital's mortuary for over a month, and the family is struggling to pay approximately Sh500,000 in medical and mortuary bills.
According to the deceased's elder brother, James Gikundi, Ntombura had been ill for about three years and had received treatment at various hospitals, including Kiirua Mission Hospital, The Nairobi West Hospital, and Nkubu Consolata Mission Hospitals. He was referred to KUTTRH for specialized medication. The family has tried to convince the hospital's management to release the body, but they have been told to pay 75 percent of the required money and deposit a title deed as collateral.
Gikundi stated that the family and well-wishers have raised about Sh100,000 towards the cause, but they are struggling to raise the remaining amount. He appealed to the hospital's management to waive the remaining balance on humanitarian grounds, considering the family's financial struggles. The family is finding it difficult to raise the money, and the bill is increasing by Sh1000 daily.
The widow's health has deteriorated due to prolonged mourning. Gikundi reported that his mother is worried, doesn't sleep, has lost her appetite, and cries throughout the day. He appealed to well-wishers, including political leaders, to assist the family in raising the required bill so that the body can be released for burial.
Gikundi requested that any contributions be channeled through Mpesa No. O710739564-James Gikundi. The family is counting on the generosity of others to help them raise the funds needed to release the body and give their loved one a proper burial. The situation is becoming increasingly desperate, with the family running out of options.
The hospital's management has remained firm in their stance, insisting that the family must clear 75 percent of the required money and provide a title deed as collateral before the body can be released. This has put the family in a difficult position, with no clear solution in sight. The widow's appeal to the hospital and the public is a plea for help in a time of great need.
The case highlights the challenges faced by many families in Kenya who struggle to access healthcare due to financial constraints. The widow's situation is a stark reminder of the need for compassion and support in times of crisis.
Key points
- The family has raised Sh100,000 towards the medical bill, but still needs Sh400,000 to release the body.
- The widow's health has deteriorated due to prolonged mourning.
- The hospital's management requires the family to pay 75 percent of the medical bill and deposit a title deed as collateral to release the body.
