Authorities have launched investigations into a bribery case involving a former mortuary attendant at Mbagathi Hospital, who is accused of receiving Ksh40,000 to unlawfully release a body. The case has raised new concerns about corruption in public hospitals, especially where bereaved families often face financial strain.According to court reports, the former employee allegedly accepted the cash from a woman who wanted to collect her relative’s body without following the hospital’s clearance procedures. The woman is said to have been unable to settle an outstanding medical bill, and therefore turned to the suspect for help.The accused, however, defended himself in court, saying he did not intend to break any law. He claimed that the woman approached him in distress, explaining that her family had already exhausted all means to raise the required amount. He told the court that he referred her to social workers for official assistance, but she later returned saying no help had been provided.The ex-attendant admitted that he eventually received Ksh40,000 from the woman, yet insisted he handed the money over to another worker within the mortuary. Nevertheless, prosecutors believe the transaction was an act of bribery intended to bypass hospital policy and release the body without authorization.The case has exposed how families struggling with medical expenses can easily fall prey to unethical hospital staff. Consequently, the hospital management and anti-corruption authorities are now under pressure to tighten internal controls and ensure transparency in body release procedures.As investigations continue, questions remain about whether more officials were involved and what measures the government will take to protect grieving families from similar exploitation.
