George Rae: How a Kenyan Doctor Was Failed in Death

Kisumu County faces a diplomatic and financial crisis following the death of Dr George Rae, a senior adviser to Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who died in South Korea on 26 December after a prolonged hospitalisation. 

His body remains in a Seoul morgue as officials struggle to cover an outstanding hospital bill of over Sh20 million (£155,000) required for repatriation. Dr Rae, a former CEO of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), had travelled to South Korea for a Smart Cities conference. 

Shortly after arriving, he collapsed and was admitted to intensive care, where his condition worsened despite extensive treatment. He died before he could be moved to less critical care.

While Kisumu County had arranged medical insurance through Madison Insurance, Dr Rae’s failure to complete the necessary online registration left him ineligible for coverage, resulting in a significant financial burden. County officials have advanced Sh2.5 million, but this amount has barely made a dent in the total bill.

The government has approved repatriation costs, but the hospital insists on full payment before releasing Dr Rae’s body, with daily morgue fees adding further pressure. Talks between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Kenyan embassy in Seoul, and other officials are ongoing, but the situation remains unresolved due to a lack of clear legal precedent.

Family and friends have raised funds, contributing around $26,000, while the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has mobilised Sh3 million. However, more than Sh17 million is still needed. KMA President Dr Simon Kigondu described Rae as an influential figure in Kenyan healthcare, particularly noting his leadership in sickle cell care and during the Covid-19 pandemic.