The controversial governor of Nairobi county in Kenya has found the corpses of 12 infants packed in boxes at a hospital in the capital city, the local Daily Nation news site has reported.

Mike Sonko said he carried out an impromptu visit of Pumwani Hospital after a tip-off from members of the public alleging that the "management shut down the machines at the Maternity Wing leading to [the] loss of lives of young ones".

Mr Sonko arrived at the hospital in a boda boda, or motorcycle taxi, to avoid alerting hospital authorities of his visit, the Daily Nation reported.

The bodies,wrapped in polythene bags, were found in three boxes.

"I want to categorically state that human life must be respected no matter the case," Mr Sonko said on Facebook.

"Stern action will be taken against anyone found to be sabotaging the good services offered to our mothers and sisters who come to deliver in this facility," he added.