Body of Former JOOTRH CEO Dr. George Rae to Arrive in Kenya on Wednesday
Dr. Rae, who until his death served as the Health Advisor to Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, fell ill while on a work-related trip and later died in South Korea on December 26, 2025, while undergoing treatment
By : Mweru Mbugua
The body of former Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) Chief Executive Officer Dr. George Rae is expected in the country on Wednesday, January 7, following the settlement of outstanding medical bills in South Korea
Dr. Rae, who until his death served as the Health Advisor to Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, fell ill while on a work-related trip and later died in South Korea on December 26, 2025, while undergoing treatment
In a statement issued by the family on Tuesday, the body will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi, from Seoul, Republic of Korea, aboard Emirates Flight EK 719 at 2:00 pm
The remains will be received by family members, representatives of the Kisumu County Government, professional colleagues, friends, and other mourners
Thereafter, the body will be transferred to Montezuma Funeral Home in Mbagathi for preservation as burial arrangements continue
“Further updates will be communicated in due course. We sincerely thank everyone for the continued support and prayers,” the family said
Dr. Rae’s body had been held in South Korea due to unpaid medical bills initially amounting to Ksh.20 million
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Following the intervention of the Kenya Medical Association (KMA), the bill was revised to approximately Ksh.5.2 million, with the Kisumu County Government settling the balance to facilitate the repatriation
During his tenure at JOOTRH, Dr. Rae is credited with spearheading reforms that elevated the facility to a national referral hospital
He also played a pivotal role in introducing bone marrow transplant services and ensuring the availability of critical life-saving equipment, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic
Dr. Rae is remembered as a dedicated health professional whose contributions significantly strengthened healthcare delivery in Kisumu County and beyond
