Update: KEMRI Director Kamau Mugenda was laid to rest on Thursday, August 13 under strict Covid-19 guidelines.
The director reportedly succumbed to COVID-19 on Sunday, August 9.
He was buried at his Weru Home in Muruaki Scheme Kinangop Sub-County
A senior officer at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) passed away on Sunday, August 9 after reportedly developing some complications.
KEMRI in a statement released on Monday, August 10, stated that it lost Kamau Mugenda, Director Corporate Services.
His cause of death was not revealed by the government agency.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mr. Kamau Mugenda, Director Corporate Services KEMRI.
"He was an astute leader of great foresight, courage & dedication. His professionalism & leadership has left an indelible mark in the history of KEMRI," the agency stated.
Sources close to the director added that Mugenda passed away after suffering a short illness.
The deceased allegedly complained of multiple stomach disorders for over two weeks.
"Yes, he had lamented over stomach pains for some time and had been diagnosed with H Pylori," the source intimated.
Helicobacter pylori (H Pylori) is a type of bacteria. These microorganisms can enter your body and live in your digestive tract and can cause ulcers and stomach cancer.
His death is a blow to KEMRI which is leading the fight against Coronavirus (Covid-19) through research and testing of samples.
