Kenyan Doctor Dies in South Korea, Body Held in Morgue Over Unpaid KSh 20M Medical Bill

Dr. George Rae, a respected Kenyan medical doctor and former chief executive of the Jaramogi Oginga Teaching and Referral Hospital, has tragically died while on an official work trip to South Korea .

His body remains in a morgue because the outstanding medical and mortuary bills have not been settled.

Dr. Rae travelled to South Korea on November 30, 2025, as part of a Kisumu County delegation to explore development programmes and health initiatives.

By all accounts, he was in good health at departure but on December 4, while visiting a parliament building in the capital he suddenly fell ill, collapsed and became breathless.

Emergency services rushed him to hospital, where he was admitted to intensive care.

Over the next 23 days, Dr. Rae fought for his life in two major medical facilities before passing away on December 26, 2025.

According to his family, the hospital bills accrued during his treatment and stay have now reached approximately KSh 20 million (about USD 150,000), a sum they cannot afford.

South Korean authorities have informed the family that until the bills and morgue charges are fully paid, his body cannot be released for repatriation back to Kenya for burial.

The situation has prompted an emotional appeal from his relatives and well-wishers, who are urging Kenyans of goodwill and organisations to contribute towards settling the debt so that Dr. Rae can finally be returned to his homeland and accorded a dignified burial.

The family says that part of the bill has already been covered from personal funds, but a large outstanding balance remains.

Dr. Rae was widely admired for his contributions to health care, including pioneering programmes at JOOTRH and advancing access to essential medical services.