Police Officers Stranded As City Mortuary Turns Away Unidentified Bodies
A dramatic standoff unfolded at Nairobi’s City Mortuary when police officers attempting to deliver unidentified bodies were denied entry by mortuary staff, following orders from the Nairobi City County government. The City Mortuary, which has a maximum capacity of 184 bodies, is currently holding 607, forcing the county to refuse any additional bodies.
Police officers found themselves stranded throughout the day as they were unable to secure a temporary resting place for the deceased individuals. This unprecedented move has sparked concerns about the possible repercussions on police operations, as officers rely on the facility to process bodies from crime scenes and accident sites.
After unsuccessful attempts during the day, officers returned to the City Mortuary under the cover of night, hoping for a change in fortune. Unfortunately, they were met with the same response, leaving them with no viable option for the unidentified bodies. Even senior police officials, who intervened later in the day, were unable to secure entry.
The standoff reached its peak when one officer was reportedly instructed to explain why he allowed bodies into the facility. In a rare instance, after hours of back-and-forth and intervention by county heads, the unidentified body was finally accepted after nine hours of delay. This raises pertinent questions on whether the City Mortuary is indeed overcapacity and the steps law enforcement may need to take in the future when faced with similar situations.
The standoff highlights a crucial gap in Nairobi’s ability to manage unidentified bodies, bringing to the fore issues that may compromise the effectiveness of police work.
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Police Officers Stranded As City Mortuary Turns Away Unidentified Bodies
