The Kisumu County Government has initiated plans to repatriate the body of former Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) Chief Executive Officer, Dr George Rae, following his death in South Korea.
Dr Rae passed away on Saturday while receiving treatment during an official assignment in the Asian country. The county did not disclose the nature of the illness that led to his death.
In a statement released on Monday, the county administration confirmed that arrangements were underway to return his body to Kenya, noting that the process also includes facilitating travel for one member of his family.
However, the county disclosed that the repatriation process is dependent on the settlement of outstanding medical expenses amounting to Sh16.7 million. Officials said efforts are ongoing to mobilise resources and work with partners and well-wishers to clear the bill as soon as possible.
At the time of his death, Dr Rae was serving as the Head of Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation within the Kisumu County Department of Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation. He previously led JOOTRH as Chief Executive Officer between 2020 and 2024.
The county government described his passing as a major loss to Kisumu and the broader healthcare community, stating that it continues to stand with his family during the difficult period of mourning.
The administration added that funeral and burial arrangements would be communicated once the repatriation process is finalised.
Tributes have continued to pour in from health professionals, administrators and residents, many of whom remembered Dr Rae as a compassionate and forward-thinking leader who left a lasting impact on public healthcare.
During his tenure at JOOTRH, he oversaw wide-ranging reforms that strengthened partnerships, improved infrastructure and enhanced service delivery. He was also instrumental in advancing the fight against sickle cell disease in Kisumu County through the Sickle Cell ZERO initiative.
Earlier, Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o mourned Dr Rae as a visionary administrator whose dedication helped restore confidence in public health institutions and brought hope to many families.
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