Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has called for urgent and lasting solutions to the congestion crisis at the City Mortuary after visiting the facility, where he found several grieving families stranded due to unpaid bills.

Sonko, who was among the mourners identifying the body of Michael Okoth, a young man from Kibera who died in a stampede at Kasarani Stadium during the viewing of the late Raila Odinga’s body, said he was shocked by the deplorable conditions and the suffering of bereaved families. He vowed to settle Okoth’s mortuary bills and cater for his burial in Alego Usonga.

“Now I know the reason why politicians avoid going to such places,” Sonko said. “Haki jana nilivurugwa sana na raia who were stuck and helpless due to uncleared bills pale City Mortuary. I think a permanent solution is needed to address such issues.”

The former governor expressed deep concern over the growing congestion at the facility, which last year forced the management to consider disposing of unclaimed bodies.

“I remember during my time as county boss, I used to waive morgue fees in such cases to allow families to bury their loved ones. By doing so, we were also decongesting the piling up of bodies at the facility,” he added.

Moved by the plight of the affected families, Sonko paid several pending mortuary bills during his visit. He noted that through the Sonko Rescue Team, his foundation continues to support bereaved families across Nairobi.

“Every week, we handle over 20 cases of bereavement, including paying mortuary fees for families who can’t afford it,” Sonko said.

The Nairobi City Mortuary, also known as the Nairobi Funeral Home, has long struggled with overcapacity. Despite an official capacity of 184 bodies, by late 2024 the facility was accommodating more than 600 — far beyond its limit.

In August last year, the Nairobi County Government announced plans to dispose of 120 unclaimed bodies within seven days, sparking public outrage and condemnation from human rights organizations. The facility continues to receive bodies from across the city, including accident scenes, hospitals, and police operations.

Sonko’s remarks have reignited public debate on the state of Nairobi’s mortuary services and the urgent need for humane, sustainable measures to ensure dignity for both the deceased and their families.