The 58-year old woman who died of Coronavirus last night in Mombasa was buried on Thursday afternoon in a low-key ceremony that was attended by less than 20 people.
COVID-19: Mombasa records first death
The woman, Identified as Ursula Buluma who worked for the Kenya Ports Authority succumbed to the deadly virus at the Mombasa hospital’s isolation ward after unsuccessful efforts to cure her.
A sombre mood engulfed the cemetery as her family and close friends stood over one meter apart, with face masks, to witness her burial, in line with the government’s 24-hour burial directive.
The KPA basketball team has mourned Ursula as one of their biggest supporters.
“A sad day it is for us all at KPA as we have not only lost a supporter but also a friend and a Mother who always stood with us through thick and thin, we will miss you dearly.” the team said in a statement on Thursday, moments after she was laid to rest.
Elsewhere, Kilifi deputy governor Gideon Saburu has fully recovered from the deadly Coronavirus and will now face the law, Health cabinet secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe, said during his Thursday briefing.
COVID-19: Mombasa leading as county of origin of newly confirmed cases
Saburu made headlines two weeks ago after he allegedly ignored calls for self quarantine following his arrival to the country from a trip to Germany.
He was forced into quarantine where tests found him positive of the virus, sparking anger from citizens and the Kilifi county leadership, who accused him of attempting to spread the virus deliberately.
The deputy governor has since apologised for his actions, but is set to be prosecuted.
In his Thursday speech that announced two more deaths and 29 new infections from the virus countrywide, the health CS issued several directives that included barring movement of people between counties.
“We are completely discouraging movement from Nairobi to Upcountry, and movement from one county to the other. Stay where you are. Train yourself to self-quarantine and stay home because time will come when you will have no option but to stay home,” CS Kagwe, said.
The CS has also instructed that all public service vehicle operators and users wear face masks effective immediately.
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“I direct that all tuktuk drivers, their passengers, all matatu drivers and their passengers, be advised to wear protective masks,” he said.
In a bid to manage a possible increase in infections, the CS directed the hiring of 6,000 additional health workers within the next seven days across all counties in the country.
