This archive report was first published on 19 September 2019.
Published on September 19, 2019, a family in Shimba Hills is facing a daunting task of raising Sh4 million to bury their relative, Samson Munyao.
Munyao's body has been held at Kijabe Mortuary since his death in August, with daily costs amounting to Sh2,700.
The family, who had sold all their property to pay medical expenses, is now struggling to come to terms with the escalating bill.
According to his widow, Faith Samson, the mortuary management refused to release Munyao's body, insisting that the family find the money quickly to avoid further costs.
‘We pleaded with the management to give us our beloved one, promising to pay them at intervals but they refused. They insisted we find money quickly because the more we delay, the more the bill shoots up,’ she said.
Munyao's health problems began in August last year, when he developed mobility issues. His condition worsened in October, after visiting a herbal clinic in Mombasa, where he was diagnosed with arthritis and breathing problems.
He was later taken to Msambweni Referral Hospital for tests, which cost over Sh300,000. Despite this, Munyao's condition did not improve, and he was eventually referred to Pandya Memorial Hospital in Mombasa.
Specialists at the hospital discovered that Munyao's spine was fractured at the base of his neck, causing his mobility issues. He was then referred to AgaKhan hospital, where surgery cost Sh450,000.
On April 4 this year, Munyao was taken to Kijabe Hospital, where an admission fee of Sh300,000 was paid. Unfortunately, he died in August while recovering from the surgery.
His brother, Samson, described Munyao as a loving and God-fearing person who did not deserve such hostility.
