Doctors who have succumbed to COVID-19 in Kenya

A total of 16 doctors have succumbed to COVID-19 in Kenya since the first case was reported in the country in March last year.

Also Read: Kenyan COVID vaccine offer to diplomats draws local doctors’ ire

This is according to the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU).

1. Dr. Doreen Lugaliki

Dr. Lugaliki was the first medical professional to succumb to coronavirus in July 2020. The 38-year-old doctor served as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist at The Nairobi South Hospital.

2. Dr. Ndambuki Mboloi

Dr. Mboloi was a senior pulmonologist. He succumbed to severe COVID-19 complications in August 2020.

3. Dr. Daniel Alushula

Dr. Alushula worked as a senior surgeon in Busia County and had also been offering health services at his private facility in Kakamega.

4. Dr. Robert Ayisi

The former Nairobi County official succumbed to COVID-19 complications at the Mater Hospital in Nairobi. He served as Nairobi County Secretary during former Governor Evans Kidero’s tenure at City Hall.

5. Dr Hudson Inyangala

He was an Associate Director of the Afya Uzazi Nakuru Baringo Program. A statement on the organization’s website said Dr. Inyangala joined FHI 360 in March 2020.

“He provided technical leadership to Afya Uzazi and coordinated and oversaw program implementation of clinical services in the maternal and child health program in partnership with the leadership of Baringo and Nakuru counties,” the firm said.

He had obtained his Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Epidemiology and Disease Control) from Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya, and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree from the University of Nairobi.

6. Dr. Vladimir Schuckin

Dr. Schuckin was a visiting consultant surgeon at the Nairobi Hospital among other major health facilities in the city. “He was a dedicated surgeon who built a reputable practice and helped countless people,” his obituary reads. Dr. Shchukin and his family had migrated to Kenya in 1994.

7. Dr Faith Kanjiru Mbuba

The 37-year- old worked as a pharmacist at the Meru Level Five Hospital. She succumbed to COVID-19 complications on November 14, 2020.

8. Dr. Jackline Njoroge

Dr. Njoroge was the Deputy Medical Superintendent at Thika Level Five Hospital. She underwent a convalescent plasma therapy in treatment of COVID-19 but later succumbed to the illness. Dr Njoroge had earned a Masters’ Degree in Internal Medicine in 2016 specializing in lupus treatment.

9. Dr. Hudson Alumera

Dr. Alumera was a periodontal surgeon. Fellow doctors and friends eulogized him as a teacher, mentor and friend to the medical and dental fraternity.

10. Dr. Ashraf Emarah

He was a senior plastic and reconstructive surgeon. According to the BBC, when Dr. Emarah contracted the virus and his condition worsened, there were no intensive care (ICU) beds available at his hospital – the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret.

“Dr Emarah had taught medical students at the MTRH, the country’s second biggest referral hospital, for decades. The doctor’s family and colleagues then tried to get him transferred to the capital, Nairobi, hundreds of miles away,” the media firm said.

But the cost of getting an air ambulance evacuation, was too expensive, a doctors’ union official told the BBC adding that a vital drug that he needed when his situation became critical was also hard to afford.

“Doctors had to contribute to buy the drug” to stabilise him, Dr Chibanzi Mwachonda, the acting secretary-general of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), told a parliamentary committee.

11. Prof. Anthony Jude Were Omolo

He was Senior Lecturer at the University of Nairobi and a consultant physician and nephrologist at Kenyatta National Hospital. His facilitated kidney transplants of four – six cases over a week, twice a year done together with the local transplant team and doctors from Hospital Clinic De Barcelona Spain.

He served as Chairman of the establishment committee for the East African Kidney Institute, Nairobi and Head of the Interlife Project (a KNH, Hospital Clinic De Barcelona, Spain and Norvatis Pharma International collaboration project).

12. Dr. Nira Patel

Dr. Patel was a dental surgeon who specialized in orthodontics. According to KMPDU, she was as a mentor to many people and was recently bestowed with the life membership of the Kenya Dental Association. 

13. Dr. Stephen Mogusu

Dr. Mogusu worked at the Machakos County COVID-19 isolation centre. “At the time of his death he had not received his salary for 5 months, had no insurance and his young family left with no compensation.Too steep a price for Patriotism,” KMPDU said.

When he became ill, he was admitted to Komarock Hospital and then moved to the Kenyatta University Teaching and Research Hospital. His fellow medics led an online funds drive to help his young family raise money for the accumulating bills.

Following his death, his body was not immediately released to the family because of a pending Ksh.204,618 bill. The Government later settled the bill and his body was released for burial.

The Ksh.1.3 million from Komarok hospital was waived. Grounds for the waiver were however not given. Health CS Mutahi Kagwe admitted to delayed salaries, calling on doctors to appreciate the difficult times occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are not perfect we have made mistakes, but that is not to say that we don’t care. We care,” he said.

Also Read:  ‘It’s disgusting!’ CS Kagwe accuses doctors of using Dr. Mogusu’s death for union politics

14. Dr. Andrew Machua Njuguna

He was a dentist and lost his battle with coronavirus after a month of hospitalization. “Dr. Andrew Machua Njuguna was a vibrant member of the
Kenya Dental Association. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends & dental fraternity. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” KMPDU said.

15. Prof. Paul G. Kioy

He was a neurologist based in Nairobi.

“The medical profession is mourning Prof. Paul G. Kioy who succumbed to COVID-19 complications. He was a Neurologist who served his patients with diligence, great teacher and mentor to many doctors in the country,” KMPDU said on Twitter.

16. Dr. Kenneth Mutuma

“KMPDU mourns with the family of Dr Kenneth Mutuma who passed on this week due to COVID-19 complications. He worked at Mbagathi Hospital,served his patients diligently & was an inspiration to his peers. The fraternity will miss you dearly,” the doctors union said on March 20, 2021.