Masjid Al Ameen seeks release of unclaimed Muslim bodies from KNH
In a formal appeal, the mosque identified one of the deceased, Hussein Ismael, as a Muslim and expressed readiness to take responsibility for his burial.
Masjid Al Ameen has appealed to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) to release unclaimed bodies of Muslims currently held at its mortuary to allow for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
The request follows a public notice by the national referral hospital listing 480 unclaimed bodies set for disposal after remaining at the facility for an extended period.
In a formal appeal, the mosque identified one of the deceased, Hussein Ismael, listed as number 71, as a Muslim and expressed readiness to take responsibility for his burial.
“We wish to bring to your attention that the individual listed as No. 71 – Hussein Ismaelis a Muslim. As Masjid Al Ameen Trust, an organization actively involved in community welfare and Islamic burial services, we hereby express our willingness and commitment to take full responsibility for his burial in accordance with Islamic rites and procedures.,” said the mosque CEO Ali Khalid.
“In Islam, it is a communal obligation to ensure that the deceased is accorded a dignified burial. It is therefore our humble request that the hospital facilitates the release of the body of the late Hussein Ismael to us, so that we may carry out the necessary burial arrangements in line with religious requirements,” he added.
He assured the hospital that the mosque would comply with all required documentation and adhere to government and hospital regulations during the process.
The mosque, located near Juja Road Estate in Nairobi, has also requested the release of three additional bodies believed to be of Muslim children—Zainab Waithera, Malik Muuo, and Amir Hamzah—who are among those listed for disposal.
In a public notice issued on March 24, 2026, Kenyatta National Hospital called on families to claim the 480 unclaimed bodies currently held at the Farewell Home mortuary within seven days, after which it will seek court approval to dispose of them in accordance with the law.
Of the total number, 102 are adults while 378 are children, many of them infants. The bodies have accumulated over time, with some dating back to deaths recorded between January 2024 and October 2025.
“Kenyatta National Hospital has several unclaimed bodies at its Farewell Home. Pursuant to the Public Health Act Cap 242 and the Public Health (Public Mortuaries) Rules, 1991, interested members of the public are requested to identify and collect the bodies within seven days. Failure to do so will result in the hospital seeking authority from the courts to dispose of them,” part of the notice read.