The body of former Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) Chief Executive Officer, Dr. George Rae, is expected to arrive in the country on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, following days of uncertainty and delays after his sudden death in South Korea.
In a joint statement, the family of Dr. Rae, the Kisumu County Government and the funeral committee said the remains will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) aboard Emirates flight EK 719 at 2pm from Seoul, South Korea.
The body will be received by family members, representatives of the Kisumu County Government, professional colleagues, friends and other mourners before being transferred to Montezuma Funeral Home in Mbagathi for preservation as funeral arrangements continue.
Dr. Rae, a respected health administrator and policy expert, died while on official duty abroad.
At the time of his death, he was serving as an advisor to Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, having previously led JOOTRH as Chief Executive Officer.
His death had sparked concern after it emerged that his body was being held in South Korea over unpaid hospital and mortuary bills, estimated at Sh16.7 million, prompting public outcry and questions over the protection of Kenyan officials on government assignments abroad.
Following consultations involving the family, the Kenya Medical Association (KMA), the Korean Medical Association and Kisumu County officials, the bill was reduced and cleared by the county government to facilitate the repatriation of the remains.
According to the funeral programme released by the family, a series of fundraising and memorial activities have been planned ahead of his burial.
On Thursday, January 8, a fundraising meeting will be held at Dr. Rae’s home in Mbeka Village in Seme Sub-County from 3pm.
Another fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, January 9, at the Public Service Club in Kisumu, also from 3pm.
A third fundraising drive will take place on Tuesday, January 13, at All Saints’ Cathedral in Nairobi at 5pm.
A requiem Mass will be held at All Saints’ Cathedral on Wednesday, January 14, at 2pm, followed by a night vigil at Dr Rae’s residence in Nairobi’s South C estate.
On Thursday, January 15, the body will be flown from Nairobi to Kisumu, after which it will be transferred to KWE Funeral Home at JOOTRH.
The final requiem Mass will take place on Friday, January 16, at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu from 10am, followed by the transfer of the body to Magwar in West Kolwa, Seme Sub-County, where a night vigil and last respects will be observed at the family home.
Burial service will take place on Saturday, January 17, at Mbeka Primary School in West Kolwa–Magwar, after which Dr. Rae will be laid to rest at his home.
In the statement, the family thanked Kenyans for their prayers and support, noting that further updates would be communicated as arrangements progress.
Dr. Rae is remembered for his role in strengthening health systems, improving hospital management and offering policy advice at both county and national levels.
He is credited for laying the foundation for the elevation of JOOTRH to a national referral hospital and state parastatal under the Ministry of Health.
By Chris Mahandara
