A grieving family in Embakasi East is facing immense distress after failing to bury their son, Joel, who lived with spina bifida and later succumbed to pelvic cancer, due to an unpaid hospital bill running into millions of shillings.
Joel was admitted to Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital in mid-December 2024 after suffering severe pain in his legs.
Doctors worked tirelessly to manage complications linked to his condition, but his health continued to deteriorate, eventually leading to the amputation of one leg.
Further medical tests later revealed that Joel had pelvic cancer. Despite efforts to save his life, he tragically passed away on December 31, 2025, leaving his family heartbroken.
However, even in death, the family has been unable to find peace. The hospital has declined to release Joel’s body until an outstanding medical bill is cleared. The total cost of treatment reportedly rose to approximately KSh 4.7 million.
Insurance covered about KSh 700,000, while the family managed to raise KSh 189,000, leaving a balance of nearly KSh 3.7 million.
As days go by, daily mortuary charges continue to pile up, deepening the family’s financial burden.
Desperate and overwhelmed, they have now made a public appeal to well-wishers, community leaders, and government officials for assistance so they can bury their son with dignity.
Human rights advocates and social justice groups have drawn attention to Joel’s case, saying it reflects the harsh reality many Kenyan families face when medical bills outlive their loved ones.
They are urging authorities and institutions to step in and prevent further suffering for vulnerable families caught in similar circumstances.
For Joel’s family, the plea is simple: to lay their son to rest and finally begin the process of healing after a long and painful journey.
Tags
Family