Ailing widow requests KU Hospital to release son’s body for burial

An elderly widow in Miruriine village, Gachua Location, Giaki Division, North Imenti Sub-County, Meru county has been pleading with Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) to release the body of her son for burial. The 80-year-old, Hellena Kigetu Ntwomo, expressed her desperation as the body of her 52-year-old son, Benjamin Ntombura, has been kept in the hospital's mortuary for over a month.

Ntombura passed away on August 9, 2026, while receiving treatment in the ICU unit, where he had spent nearly a week fighting for his life. Prior to that, he had been treated at various hospitals, which left the financially struggling family with a massive medical and morgue bill. Ntombura's brother, James Gikundi, revealed that the family had attempted multiple times to convince KUTRRH's management to release the body, but the hospital has insisted that they clear 75% of the debt and provide a title deed as collateral.

Gikundi stated that the family and friends have only managed to raise approximately Sh100,000 so far and have requested the hospital to waive the remaining balance on humanitarian grounds. The family is concerned that the elderly mother's health has worsened due to the ongoing mourning process, with her experiencing sleepless nights, loss of appetite, and constant crying.

James Gikundi has made an urgent appeal to the hospital's management and well-wishers, including political leaders, to help the family raise the required amount. Donations can be made via Mpesa to the number O710739564, assigned to James Gikundi.