This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
Published on July 7, 2020, by MARY WAMBUI
Despite the Nigerian High Commission finally granting consent for the release of the body, gospel artist Ruth Matete is still unable to bury her husband, Blessed John Olakami Apewajoye, due to an outstanding medical bill of over Sh600,000 at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Mortuary.
Apewajoye died on April 11 while undergoing treatment at KNH for burns he sustained in a fire incident at their home in Athi River, Machakos County, on March 30.
Ms Matete's lawyer, Mr Robert Odanga, confirmed that as at Friday last week, the accrued bill was Sh677,000.
On June 8, the DCI formally requested to KNH to waive the body storage charges, but the hospital said it operates on a policy that prohibits waivers on the particular fee.
Ms Matete had demanded that the embassy clears the mortuary and burial expenses before she can accept the body for burial, citing that the embassy had not issued her with insufficient reasons to warrant the holding of the body since the autopsy results had been released and she had her in-laws' consent to bury her husband in the country.
Chief government pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor explained that Apewajoye died due to burns which were mixed degree burns estimated at 60 percent, with complications such as sepsis and multiple organs failure.
Ms Matete's lawyer, Mr Odanga, stated that the information on the status of the case is key in helping his client get her life back, as the case has caused her a huge financial burden on top of her mourning, preventing her from engaging in her income-generating activities such as launching her album, teaching at her music school, or preaching at her church.
