Nairobi: 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.
According to Kenya News Agency, a joint statement from Dr. Rae's family, the Kisumu County Government, and the funeral committee announced that the remains would 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, who was serving as an advisor to Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o at the time of his death, was previously the Chief Executive Officer of JOOTRH. His death in South Korea led to concerns due to the holding of his body over unpaid hospital and mortuary bills, estimated at Sh16.7 million. This situation prompted public outcry and questions regarding the protection of Kenyan officials on government assignments abroad. The bill was eventually reduced and cleared by the county government after consultations involving the family, the Kenya Medical Association (KMA), the Korean Medical Association, and Kisumu County officials, facilitating the repatriation of the remains.
The funeral programme released by the family outlines a series of fundraising and memorial activities planned ahead of his burial. A fundraising meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, at Dr. Rae's home in Mbeka Village in Seme Sub-County from 3pm. Another fundraiser will take place on Friday, January 9, at the Public Service Club in Kisumu, also from 3pm. A third fundraising drive is set for 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, then transferred to KWE Funeral Home at JOOTRH. The final requiem Mass is scheduled for 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. The burial service will occur on Saturday, January 17, at Mbeka Primary School in West Kolwa-Magwar, after which Dr. Rae will be laid to rest at his home.
The family expressed gratitude to Kenyans for their prayers and support and noted that further updates would be communicated as arrangements progress. Dr. Rae is remembered for his contributions to strengthening health systems, improving hospital management, and offering policy advice at both county and national levels. He is credited with laying the foundation for the elevation of JOOTRH to a national referral hospital and state parastatal under the Ministry of Health.