Nestled at the junction of Ngong’ Road and Raila Odinga Road, Nairobi City Mortuary has served as the epicenter for death care in Kenya’s bustling capital for over a century. This institution, once known for its grim reputation, has evolved significantly, reflecting Nairobi’s own transformation from a colonial railway town to a modern metropolis.
The Early Days
Founded in the early 20th century, Nairobi City Mortuary was originally established to handle the deceased from a rapidly growing colonial city. Its inception can be traced back to a time when Nairobi was expanding due to the construction of the Uganda Railway, which brought with it an influx of workers and settlers, increasing the demand for such services.
Back then, the mortuary was rudimentary, often overwhelmed by the volume of bodies it had to manage, especially during outbreaks of diseases like the plague. The facility’s early years were marked by challenges, including poor infrastructure and the harsh realities of colonial health policies.
The Era of Expansion and Challenges
As Nairobi grew, so did the mortuary’s responsibilities. By the mid-20th century, it had become the largest government-owned mortuary in East and Central Africa, capable of storing up to 200 bodies, although often exceeding this capacity during crises. The mortuary faced significant challenges, notably during the post-election violence in 2007-2008, where it had to manage an unprecedented number of deceased, with stories of bodies piling up without proper storage.
The JM Kariuki Incident: A Dark Chapter
One of the most notorious stories associated with Nairobi City Mortuary is the case of Josiah Mwangi Kariuki, popularly known as JM Kariuki, a Kenyan politician and Mau Mau veteran. After his disappearance in March 1975, his body was discovered near Ngong Hills, brutally murdered. It was taken to Nairobi City Mortuary, where it was initially misidentified and labeled as an “unknown Luo thief,” highlighting the political tensions and cover-ups of the time. His widow, Terry Kariuki, had to go through a harrowing experience to finally identify his body amidst the chaos and political intrigue. This incident not only brought the mortuary under the national spotlight but also underscored the political assassinations and the murky waters of Kenyan politics during Jomo Kenyatta’s era.
The Tragic Tale of Chris Msando
Another significant chapter was added with the death of Chris Msando, the ICT Manager for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), in July 2017. Msando was pivotal in ensuring the integrity of Kenya’s electoral process, particularly with the introduction of electronic voting systems. His disappearance shortly before the 2017 general elections caused a stir, and his body was found in Kikuyu, later brought to Nairobi City Mortuary. Here, his body was initially unidentified, lying in the mortuary for days before his family positively identified him. The autopsy revealed he had been tortured and strangled, leading to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories about his death, given his crucial role in the elections. The case remains unsolved, with calls for justice persisting years later, highlighting the mortuary’s role in some of Kenya’s most contentious moments.
Modernization and Controversies
The turn of the millennium brought about calls for modernization. In 2023, the Nairobi City County Public Health Department announced plans to introduce a private wing to the mortuary, aiming to cater to those seeking more personalized services. This wing was designed to accommodate 24 bodies and included additional services like hearses and funeral services.
However, the mortuary has not been without controversy. In 2024, it made headlines again when the county government decided to stop accepting unidentified bodies due to the facility being over capacity, leading to a standoff with police officers tasked with body disposal. This situation highlighted ongoing issues with capacity and management at the mortuary.
Recent Developments
Under the leadership of Governor Sakaja, significant improvements have been made. The facility, now often referred to as Nairobi Funeral Home to distance itself from its past stigma, has seen infrastructural upgrades, including new cooling systems and a more dignified environment with manicured lawns and tarmacked pavements. The mortuary’s capacity has been expanded, and the service quality has been enhanced, aiming to provide a more respectful service to grieving families.
Cultural Impact and Public Perception
The Nairobi City Mortuary has had a profound cultural impact, often featured in local folklore and media as a place of intrigue and mystery. It has been the subject of many stories, from tales of ghostly presences to the harsh realities faced by its workers. The transformation from a “stinking city mortuary” to a more respected “Nairobi Funeral Home” marks a significant shift in public perception.
From its colonial beginnings to its current state, Nairobi City Mortuary’s history is a narrative of growth, challenge, and adaptation. It mirrors Nairobi’s own journey towards modernity while still grappling with the logistical and emotional challenges of managing death in a city of millions. The stories of JM Kariuki and Chris Msando serve as poignant reminders of the mortuary’s role in Kenya’s political and cultural landscape. As Nairobi continues to evolve, the mortuary’s role in the community remains pivotal, serving as a reminder of our universal journey from life to remembrance.
