Boda Boda Rider Sues Hospital for Detaining Wife’s Body Over Ksh2.6 Million Bill
A boda boda rider has taken a Nairobi hospital to court, accusing it of detaining his late wife’s body over an unpaid medical bill amounting to Ksh2.6 million.
Rider Seeks Court Order for Body’s Release
The man filed a petition on October 14, seeking a court directive to compel the hospital to release the body. He told the court that he simply could not raise the amount demanded, but still wished to give his wife a very dignified send-off.
Court documents indicate that his wife died on September 29, 2025, while receiving treatment in the intensive care unit after suffering complications related to childbirth.
Complications After Emergency Caesarean
The woman reportedly had a stillbirth on September 17, prompting doctors to perform an emergency caesarean section to save her life. However, her condition deteriorated, leading to her death less than two weeks later.
The hospital allegedly transferred her remains to a partner funeral home and withheld the burial permit until the outstanding balance was cleared.
Judge Issues Directions on the Case
Justice Nixon Sifuna, presiding over the matter, ordered the man’s lawyer to serve the hospital with the court application immediately. The hospital and its representatives were instructed to file their responses within two days.
The case will be mentioned on October 22, 2025, for further directions.
Husband Pleads Financial Hardship
In his affidavit, the rider explained that he earns about Ksh25,000 a month and has a four-year-old son to support. He told the court that he had already paid Ksh450,000 during his wife’s treatment and raised another Ksh650,000 through contributions from friends and family.
Despite these payments, the hospital retained the burial permit after the bill rose to Ksh2.6 million. The man said he exhausted all possible means to settle the debt but was unable to raise the remaining amount.
The court’s upcoming session will determine whether the hospital must release the body pending further proceedings.
