This archive report was first published on 24 July 2021.
On June 19, two brothers from Iranda village in Mumias embarked on a journey to Nairobi for medical treatment. Wesa Washuma, 84, a retired teacher, had dislocated a hip while riding a bicycle, and his younger brother Peter Maloba, 69, an engineer, took him to a hospital in Thika for surgery.
Just two weeks later, the brothers succumbed to Covid-19, with Mr. Washuma passing away on July 2 and Mr. Maloba on July 6.
According to their nephew Enos Namayi, the family had organised specialised treatment for Mr. Washuma at St Peter's Hospital in Thika, which was successful. He was then housed by his brother in Nairobi to facilitate his clinical visits.
However, despite the initial progress, both brothers developed flu-like symptoms at the same time. Mr. Maloba was rushed to Modern Medical Care Centre in Nairobi, where he was tested positive for Covid-19 on June 29. He was later transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital, where his health deteriorated.
Mr. Washuma also developed symptoms associated with Covid-19 on June 30 and was placed in isolation at KNH. The brothers had difficulties breathing and were placed on oxygen support in the same ward.
It was a devastating blow for the family, who had not expected to lose both brothers to the virus. 'It has hit us hard,' said Mr. Namayi. 'One brother deciding to help the other who was sick but both ending up succumbing to the virus is the lowest point for us as the Wesa family.'
The two brothers were buried on the same day on Thursday, July 22, at their homes in Iranda village. Family and friends eulogised the two brothers as loving each other dearly since their childhood.
Mr. Washuma served as the first principal of Musanda Secondary School in Mumias West, while his brother Mr. Maloba was an engineer. 'We have lost two great people as a society, people who cherished development and education the most,' said Anthony Ombwayo, a brother of the two.
