This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
July 10, 2020, marked a somber day in Kenya as the country mourned the loss of Dr. Doreen Adisa Lugaliki, the first medical practitioner to succumb to COVID-19.
Dr. Lugaliki, an Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at The Nairobi South Hospital, contracted the virus while on duty and passed away. Her dedication to saving lives, however, continues to inspire Kenyans.
ODM leader Raila Odinga led the tributes, calling for Kenyans to avoid reckless behavior and contain the virus as a tribute to the departed medic. He said, 'My deep condolences to family and colleagues of Doreen Adisa who succumbed to Covid-19. Her death is a painful reminder of the sacrifices health workers make so that we may live. Our best tribute to Doreen is to avoid reckless behavior to contain the disease. We owe you Doreen.'
Health CS Mutahi Kagwe also paid tribute, calling for a minute of silence during his daily COVID-19 updates. He said, 'I am saddened to announce that today, we have lost the first doctor to COVID-19.'
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) urged the government to protect health workers, emphasizing that their welfare, occupational safety, and health are non-negotiable.
