Meru County Finance Executive Member Monica Kathono
Meru County Finance Executive Member Monica Kathono and Muthara Ward MCA Aulerio Murangiri have strongly opposed claims that the construction of a mortuary at Muthara Sub-County Hospital will lead to more deaths in the area.
Kathono clarified that the county government’s aim in constructing the morgue is to decongest the Miathene Sub-County Hospital morgue, the only facility currently serving the entire Tigania region.
“The County Government allocated funds for the Muthara mortuary project not to create fear, but to bring essential services closer to the people and reduce related costs. Those claiming that a morgue attracts death are peddling malicious propaganda meant to tarnish the area MCA’s name and discredit a noble development initiative,” she said.
Echoing her sentiments, MCA Murangiri said he would not be deterred by superstition or political propaganda aimed at stopping critical infrastructure projects.
“We all face death at some point. No one lives forever. This is the 21st century, not the 1940s. Such backward rumours and beliefs will not stop us from delivering services that reduce the burden on mwananchi,” he said.
Muthara Ward MCA Aulerio Murangiri
Murangiri said there are severe challenges faced by families when loved ones pass away at the facility, noting that the absence of a morgue forces them to transport bodies to Miathene or Meru town at a high cost.
“When someone dies here, the body can remain at the hospital for over 24 hours before being transported elsewhere. The cost of using a hearse from Meru or Miathene is over Sh10,000. Once this mortuary is complete and operational, the cost will drop to about Sh2,000,” he said.
He added that the situation is particularly distressing for mothers who lose children at the hospital, as the bodies are often placed in simple boxes and carried using lessos due to lack of proper facilities.
“It is heartbreaking and a great shame when a mother loses her child and has to witness such indignity. This mortuary will restore dignity and ease for grieving families,” Murangiri said.
