We did not detain medic Daniel Chacha's body, says KNH

The Kenyatta National Hospital has now released a statement following the death of a young medic Dr. Daniel Chacha, a University of Nairobi Medical Registrar attached to the Hospital's Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department.

Dr. Chacha is said to have died after allegedly being denied treatment at KNH due to unpaid medical cover.

In a statement by KNH CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri on March 19, 2025, the hospital says Chacha was referred to KNH from a hospital in Kitengela on Monday, March 10, 2025.

Upon arrival, he was rushed to the Accident and Emergency Department in critical condition. Doctors diagnosed him with severe Liver and Kidney conditions, said Kamuri.

"Despite not being registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), KNH facilitated his immediate registration and promptly admitted him and ensured he received urgent medical attention as required," said Kamuri.

"A multidisciplinary team comprising Liver and Kidney Specialists worked tirelessly to stabilize his condition."

According to Kamuri, Chacha's condition worsened, requiring admission to the Critical Care Unit where he unfortunately succumbed to his illness on Friday, March 14, 2025, and his family was immediately notified.

KNH also denies that Chacha was not given the highest standard of care while at the hospital, adding they did not detain his body as claimed in a section of the media and statements by Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentist Union (KMPDU) officials.

Kamuri said the medic's body was released from the KNH Farewell Home to the family and transported to Migori County on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

KMPDU Deputy Secretary General Dennis Miskellah said Chacha first sought medical attention at KNH but was turned away because he lacked active medical cover.

He further argued that KNH had refused to release Chacha's body until a bill totaling Ksh 300,000 had been paid.