A family in Migori County is facing a financial crisis as they try to settle hospital and mortuary fees for their late relative, Francis Achilo, whose body remains at Mbagathi Hospital in Nairobi.
The relatives say they are struggling to raise enough money to transport him home and organise his burial.
Achilo, who fell ill in November, was admitted to Mbagathi Hospital on November 8, 2025, but passed away after several weeks of treatment on November 30, 2025.
The family now faces a combined bill of Sh86,190, with Sh39,190 for medical services and Sh47,000 for mortuary charges.
Hospital officials confirmed Achilo’s admission and death, and said they could waive 20 per cent of the medical charges if the mortuary fees are settled first. The family, however, says even this offer is difficult to meet.
In addition to the hospital bills, the family says they require Sh150,000 to transport Achilo’s body from Nairobi to Migori and cover burial arrangements.
They have been holding small fundraising events in Migori but have so far raised only Sh35,000.
“We are unable to raise the amount needed to give our kin a befitting send-off,” said Charles Owino, a family member, appealing to Kenyans of goodwill for support.
Charles added that the family has approached both the hospital and the area chief to seek possible waivers for the remaining charges. “If we are given the body and we do not have the means to transport it from Nairobi to Migori, what shall we do?” he said.
The relatives say that even if the hospital clears part of the bills, they still lack the resources to handle transportation and burial logistics.
“We cannot do the harambees every day at home because we are few, and due to the tough economic times, people are not able to help us raise all the money. We are thankful for those who have come forward to help us. We pledge with well-wishers to help us bury our son,” Charles said.
The family has urged well-wishers and Kenyans of goodwill to assist them in meeting the outstanding hospital, mortuary, and burial costs. Those willing to help can contact Charles Owino on 0720009065.
