The Kenyan Senate's Health Committee and County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee have called on the government to expedite the burial of 443 Shakahola victims whose bodies remain at Malindi Sub-County Hospital. The committees, during a Senate Mashinani in Kilifi County, inspected the hospital and assessed challenges affecting healthcare delivery. They emphasized that the prolonged delay in burying the victims must come to an end.
The committees were informed that DCI investigations and DNA examinations on the Shakahola bodies had been concluded, paving the way for the interment process. Relatives of 14 victims have been identified, while a 21-day public notice is running before a court order is sought to allow the remaining bodies to be interred. This development allows for the identification of the remaining victims and subsequent burial.
Senator Beth Syengo, Vice-Chairperson of the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, stated that 443 bodies cannot remain at the hospital indefinitely. She emphasized that responsible agencies must conclude the process lawfully and with dignity, making every reasonable effort to reach affected families before interment.
Senator Mariam Omar, Vice-Chairperson of the Health Committee, called for wider public communication to reach affected families, suggesting that a Gazette notice alone may not be sufficient. She recommended using radio, television, and social media to reach families, considering the sensitivity of the issue.
Senator William Kisang noted that the conclusion of investigations should now be followed by decisive action. He emphasized that the remaining steps should move within clear timelines so that the painful matter can finally reach a dignified conclusion.
Senator Shakila Abdalla, who served as Vice-Chairperson of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee that investigated the Shakahola deaths, assured that the Senate would continue following the matter until the 443 victims are accorded a dignified conclusion. The committees also reviewed other hospital issues, including staffing shortages and plans to operationalise an eight-bed ICU by December.
The committees' visit to the hospital also highlighted other challenges, including outstanding SHA reimbursements and unresolved hospital land ownership issues. The Senate's efforts aim to ensure that the victims receive a dignified burial and that healthcare facilities in Kilifi County are improved.
Key points
- The Senate committees have urged the government to expedite the burial of 443 Shakahola victims.
- The burial process has been delayed due to DCI investigations and DNA examinations.
- The committees have also identified other healthcare challenges in Kilifi County, including staffing shortages and unresolved hospital land ownership issues.
