When news of the deadly Covid-19 virus broke in China’s Wuhan City in December 2019, the world sunk in shock as the virus swept across Asia, Europe and American continents, consuming souls mercilessly.

African continent followed painstakingly, awaiting their turn. Indeed it was a question of when.

On February 25, 2020 Africa reported its first case of COVID-19 in Algeria.

Two and half weeks later the virus struck Kenya. Today, 10 months down the line, the country has lost more than 1, 700 people to the pandemic.

For most Kenyans, the year 2020 will go on record as a year of painful loss.

High profiled Kenyans among them frontline workers including health workers, respected leaders, gifted entertainers, University dons, and people who have inspired and enriched our lives in one way or the other, have all fallen victims of a pandemic that has continued to cause death and suffering around the world.

To lose these people is perhaps a reminder of the fragility of life and a reminder to take care of one another to the best of our ability when we can. But in the midst of feeling sorrow for people who are no longer with us, we should also take comfort in the gifts they gave us while they were here.

Here, Ommydallah.co.ke pays tribute to those who left us in 2020, people who changed the country for the better and helped show us a path forward.

Dr Doreen Lugaliki

Dr Doreen Lugaliki, an obstetrician/gynaecologist, was the first Kenyan doctor to succumb to coronavirus. She was 39 when she died on July 10, 2020.

The mother of two had worked at Nairobi South Hospital caring for Covid-19 patients.

Dr Lugaliki had been admitted to Aga Khan University Hospital on July 5, and was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication that occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin.

Lugaliki started her career at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital immediately after her undergraduate studies. She later worked at the Nairobi Women’s Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital as a gynaecologist consultant.

"Until her demise, she worked at The Nairobi South Hospital. Her pride and joy was helping mothers safely bring forth life,” the family said.

Papa Shirandula

Celebrated TV actor and comedian Charles Bukeko popularly known by his stage name as Papa Shirandula, is another household name to have died from the virus in July 25, 2020.

He was buried at his rural home in Funyula, in Western Kenya.

He reportedly tested positive for the virus a week before and went into isolation.

His condition worsened when he started having breathing difficulties. He was rushed to Karen hospital in Nairobi where he was declared dead on arrival.

The late Bukeko was known for portraying the titular character in the television series Papa Shirandula, which he also created and won the 2010 Kalasha Award for Best Actor in a TV Series.

If there are any characters of a TV programme that had triggered echoes of laughter in homestead across the country, then that is undoubtedly Papa Shirandula.

Throughout the long-running series - Papa Shirandula walked tight-rope in the funniest fashion. He duped his wife into believing that he had an office job.

Whenever he left home every morning he would leave donning his office wear characterized by a dark suit, bright shirt and unusually oversized tie. Perhaps to portray confidence that muffles the systemic lies, he always walks out of the house and walks away whistling.

He would however divert into a bush and change into his trademark maroon suit, as soon as he walks out of sight. He would then straddle his bicycle and cycle off to his real job as a security guard.

Professors

In the same month of July, Covid-19 claimed the life of renowned academician Maurice Wamang'oli who before his death was a senior lecturer at the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering at the University of Nairobi.

The academic giant died at The Nairobi Hospital.

The University of Nairobi further lost yet another lecturer, the renowned Dr. Ken Ouko. Ouko passed away on August 1, while admitted at Aga Khan Hospital.

UoN Communications Director John Orindi confirmed that the renowned lecturer Ouko succumbed to Coronavirus (Covid-19).

People known to him described don Ken Ouko as a soft-spoken and eloquent person who got along well with people.

Hatimy

In Mombasa, nominated MCA Mohamed Hatimy, who was also the ODM party chairman, also succumbed to Covid-19 after battling the virus in an intensive care unit at a Mombasa hospital for three weeks.

Before his death, Hatimy was the chairperson of the assembly’s Finance committee until his death.

He was among the seven MCAs who contracted the deadly virus prompting the closure of the assembly for 14 days.

The Kajembes

If there is a family in Kenya which has known the real wrath of Covid-19, then it should be that of former Coast Politician, the late Ramadhan Seif Kajembe where the pandemic claimed the lives of three family members within a span of just one month.

In the month of July, the late Kajembe’s second wife Aziza contracted the virus and died later that month. She became the first casualty of the virus in that homestead.

Two weeks later August 7, Kajembe himself succumbed to the virus and the politician’s eldest daughter Langoni Kajembe 46 died of Covid-19 at Pandya Memorial Hospital just a week after her father died in the same hospital and a month after her mother’s demise.

The cycles of death in the Coast politicians homestead shook the entire country.

And as family, friends, relatives and Kenyans at large struggled to come to terms with the harsh reality of the third death in one homestead within a span of one month, it became evident that all the three had succumbed to the deadly virus.

Kajembe did not attend his wife’s burial because he was admitted to hospital, just like his daughter was unable to attend his burial and now she has succumbed.

Reports indicate that several family members had been taken into quarantine after their parents contracted the virus.

The tragedy that struck the Kajembe’s is perhaps a testimony of how Covid-19 pandemic can easily wipe out a family within a short period of time.

Just like her father and her mother the late Aziza Kajembe who both succumbed to the pandemic, the late Langoni who was laid to rest at Kwa Shee cemetery in Mikindani also succumbed to the virus.

The family said she had tested positive for the virus late last July and was admitted at Pandya Memorial Hospital in Mombasa where her parents were also admitted.

Two weeks later, the late Langoni would be declared Covid-19 free and she was discharged before her condition deteriorated afterwards prompting readmission.

Family spokeman Mbaruk Juma would say the late was admitted at Pandya hospital on July 28 after developing breathing complications.

She was tested for Covid-19 on July 29, and results turned out positive but after 15 days the doctor conducted the second test and found she was negative.

She returned to the hospital where she was admitted in the ICU after developing breathing difficulties and was further treated for high blood pressure.

The family spokesperson said the late Langoni did not attend the burial of her father who succumbed to the Covid-19 because she was already at the hospital undergoing treatment.

Mustafa Idd

In November, former Kilifi South legislator Mustafa Idd also added to the list of Coast politicians who succumbed to Covid-19, as the second wave of the pandemic began to wreak havoc across the country.

Idd who was also Coast Water Works Development Agency Chairman, was hospitalized at Coast General Teaching and Referral hospital where he succumbed.

He was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic burial rites at his home in Bomani Kikambala area in Kilifi South after Swalatul Dhuhr- 1.00pm prayers.

Family said he fell ill on November 16 and was rushed to Premier Hospital in Nyali where immediate chest radiograph revealed that he was suffering from pneumonia.

Samples for Covid-19 tests were collected for testing and three days later they returned positive according to family.

Deputy President William Ruto is expected to start his three- day tour of the Coast region on Thursday as he drums up support for his 2022 presidential bid.

The Dp is expected to start the tour by touring Lunga Lunga, Kwale county before heading to Watamu, Kilifi county and Kisauni, Mombasa county on Friday.

Ruto who has been making inroads in the region  will be accompanied by several Mps allied to him including Nyali Mp Mohammed Ali and former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar.

On Saturday, he will be in Jomvu meeting youth groups in what he terms as 'Youth Empowerment" drive then head to Nyali for the official opening of the Kwa Bullo Primary and secondary school. The climax of his tour will be at the Free Town grounds for a rally.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has restated his commitment to fulfil his election pledges key among them being the expansion of electricity connectivity, opening up of more roads and accelerating the growth of small businesses.

“We want to ensure that every Kenyan has access to electricity both for domestic and for income generating activities such as welding, hairdressing businesses and milk cooling plants for farmers,” President Kenyatta said.

The President spoke Monday evening at Kimahuri in Kieni East, Nyeri County where he commissioned a last mile electricity connectivity project that will benefit 216 households and several public institutions including schools, markets and health centres.

He said over 70 percent of homes in Kenya were connected to the national grid compared to only that 30 percent that had electricity when he took over the nation's leadership in 2013.

Addressing area residents shortly after switching on electricity in Mama Lydia Njeri Kahuthu's house, the Head of State announced Government plans to tarmac the Sagana-Ndathi-Naromoru Road, set up a milk cooling facility, and a hospital in the area.

“This road will ease the transportation of goods in this area. It will particularly help farmers to access markets for their produce beyond the region,” the President said.

Once again, the President, who is on a working visit of Central Kenya, reiterated his call for national unity saying that is the only way to ensure the current development momentum is not lost.

On BBI, the Head of State rallied area residents to support the law reform process saying its proposals will ensure sufficient resources go to the counties to benefit wananchi.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe and area MP Kanini Kega also spoke at the launch event that was attended by several Central Kenya leaders.

The Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa has officially reopened it's beach bar, Fins Beach Bar & Grill after undergoing refurbishment.

Sprawled along the spectacular Diani Beach overlooking the Indian Ocean, Fins Beach Bar & Grill serves up a variety of cuisines in a casually-elegant venue.

The bar provides a breezy spot to enjoy a signature Zuri cocktail or aperitif paired perfectly with our chef-inspired small bites and snacks.

Fins Beach Bar and Grill, which is now open to both in-house and walk-in guests, has been referred by many, as a gem nestled under swaying coconut palms that not only offers a relaxing ambience but also Instagrammable views to match.

Guests can have the option to savour long, leisurely lunches or intimate, romantic dinners. Whichever mood you’re in, Fins Beach Bar & Grill has got you covered.

Spins at Fins, a destination within a destination - is the ultimate themed event hosted at Fins Beach Bar & Grill every Saturday featuring Oceanik (DJ Evan Rhodes and Scott the Violinist) and other local artists.

It is the gift that keeps on giving because of the good vibes it gives the guests as they kick-start their weekend.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned former cabinet minister Simeon Nyachae who passed away today as an icon of Kenya's progress through the years.

In a message of comfort to the family of the independence era provincial administrator, the President said the late Nyachae's successful transition from public service to the world of business and politics was a demonstration that focus and hard work pays.

The Head of State regretted the passing away of Hon Simeon Nyachae saying death had robbed Kenya of a wise statesman whose long service to the nation helped shape the country's standing as one of Africa's most progressive economies.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Mzee Simeon Nyachae, a distinguished son of Kenya, a friend and a man whose contribution to the making of the Kenyan nation will remain with us for eternity.

"Throughout his many years of service to the nation, right from his time in the provincial administration through to his transition into business and politics, Mzee Nyachae exhibited exemplary zeal to succeed and as he exits from this world, he leaves behind a rich legacy of success," President Kenyatta eulogised.

The Head of State recalled his interactions with Hon Simeon Nyachae over the years saying the former Nyaribari Chache MP was a jolly, accessible and dependable elder whose wise counsel and friendship he will miss.

"I recall with nostalgia my many interactions with Mzee Nyachae over the years. As an elder and friend, Mzee Nyachae always had a word of wisdom and encouragement for me. Many will remember and miss Mzee Nyachae's warm personality and especially his hearty and infectious laughter," President Kenyatta recalled.

The President prayed to God to comfort the family of Mzee Nyachae and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss of their departed patriarch.

Born in 1932 to the legendary colonial-era chief Musa Nyandusi, Nyachae belonged to the first crop of British-trained African administrators who also made it big in business.

He attended Torquay College, UK, between 1957 and 1959 and later Churchill College, Cambridge.

He rose through the ranks from a District officer in Kangundo and other parts of Machakos District in 1963 to a Provincial Commissioner between 1965 and 1979 and later the Head of Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet in the Moi administration.

He vied and won the Nyaribari Chache seat on a Kanu ticket in 1992.

Nyachae died on February 1 at the Nairobi Hospital.

Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB) signee Raymond Shaban Mwakyusa aka Rayvanny, has just released his first album.

The album titled 'Sound from Africa' has a total of 23 songs.

"My First Album in my Music career , Thanks God For this one" he posted on twitter.

American singer Enisa is among those featured in the album, in the song 'Number one' remix.

Others are Diamond Platnumz, Mbosso, Joe Boy, Kiss Daniel, Saida Karoli, Rowlene and Jah Prayzah.

Kenyan singer Tanasha Donna has hinted to her fans and followers that more hits are cooking and she will be releasing them soon.

Speaking to the media in Mombasa, Tanasha who is currently in the coastal town for a video shoot with Nigerian artist Bad Boy Timz, revealed that she already has in store two songs with Tanzanian singer Nandy.

"My fans should expect alot, there are two songs coming up with Nandy, there is also a song am doing with Tommy Flavour from Kings Music. So there is alot of stuff coming. For now I cannot talk about them all but soon you will see them" she said.

Adding “Expect a new, refined, better version of Tanasha Donna this year, music wise,”

On his part Bad Boy Timz promised the song will be a hit saying was happy to work with Tanasha.

"Of course it will be a hit. Just be patient and you will see" said Bad Boy Timz.

According to Tanasha, they met  through a mutual friend, Master Tee.

“Funny thing is he intimidated me a lot the first time. He recorded his verse within 10 minutes,” she said.

The songbird also shared her experience working with Bahati in the song 'Óne and Only'

With a road network comprising just over 177 000 Km, Kenya boasts an impressive transportation grid that connects locals.

Uber, which launched just six years ago, has steadily pioneered the country into smarter logistic solutions that now enable safer, more affordable and convenient travel at just a tap of the button.

A smarter city

Uber focuses its efforts on providing holistic lifestyle solutions that cater to the needs of Kenyans, to make getting around easier and getting what they want delivered, done faster.

Since its launch in 2015 in Nairobi, followed by Mombasa, Uber has introduced four unique travel options.

These include the popular UberX,  and a few years ago, Uber localised its product offering to roll out UberCHAPCHAP and UberBODA. UberAssist, designed specifically for those with mobility needs, rounds out the available options. 

“Coming to Kenya, we immediately had to adapt our product lines to better serve the community given Kenya’s robust and unique way of life. With UberCHAPCHAP and UberBODA, we offer not just an authentic Kenyan travel experience but also create a sustainable economic opportunity for drivers who already own these vehicles,” says Brian Njao, Head of Uber in East Africa.

Given the variety of options available for travel, Uber offers drivers a unique earning opportunity as they build their very own micro-business.

With Partner Rewards, drivers are able to further reduce their running costs with additional discounts and benefits to earn more from each trip taken. 

Safety as a standard

In the past six years, ride-hailing has seen tremendous growth in Kenya and has contributed to enhanced road safety and personal safety as people now prefer to get into a vehicle where they know that their driver has been vetted, can be identified easily, and each trip is traceable on GPS, backed by 24/7 in-app assistance.

Uber has introduced the safety toolkit, which includes the in-app emergency button that connects the driver or rider to third-party security or medical assistance and Trusted Contacts that allow riders to share their trip status with up to 5 selected contacts. 

As travel still proves to be an integral part of any economic robustion, Uber has further developed safety mechanisms in response to COVID-19, including a pre-trip safety checklist, world-first mask recognition technology and financial assistance to drivers who had been placed on quarantine by a medical professional. 

Investing in East Africa

Uber is now available in three countries across the East African region, including Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, offering a bevvy of product-line services aimed to assist in creating lifestyle solutions that work.

With over 12 000 active drivers across Kenya alone, Uber creates a platform for flexible work and more earning opportunities.

To ensure drivers could still earn during the pandemic, the app launched Uber Connect in Kenya and Uganda, which provides affordable same-day delivery of specific goods that can be used by both businesses and everyday locals. 

Drivers have a number of established channels available for their individual concerns such as 24/7 in-app messages and support, emails, blog posts, while having access to an emergency button to connect them to a third-party medical or security outlet for immediate assistance. 

Uber Eats launched in Kenya in 2018 and has become a fan-favourite delivery option, with orders contactlessly delivered in under 30 minutes.

The app has also provided a unique earning platform for both delivery-drivers and restaurants across Nairobi and Mombasa, especially during the pandemic by the use of a virtual kitchen.

By serving their customer-base only via delivery, it limits their running cost and increases their order in-take. 

“East Africa is at the forefront of a transition that will see its cities catalyse technology to provide smarter solutions for locals.

Uber plans to further invest across the region to ensure that we continue to provide affordable, safe and convenient travel and lifestyle options to locals,” concluded Njao. 

In just six years, one app has already revolutionised the way Africa travels, and with more on the way it's an exciting time to see just how far logistics can develop thanks to technology. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged the youth to take charge of their future as he rallied them to support the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

Saying the country’s young people have the potential to propel the country to the next level of progress, the President cautioned them against falling prey to politicians dishing out handouts and spreading falsehoods against BBI.

"Come on, be awake and take control of your future because if you don’t, the people who will suffer the most is you and you will not have anyone to blame but yourself,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State spoke on Sunday at Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri County where he engaged the youth from Mt Kenya and its neighbouring Counties on issues affecting them.

At the same time, President Kenyatta encouraged the youth to be focused and go for national leadership positions to build on the development momentum the country has gained.

“Brothers and sisters, the country has a bright future. We have laid a solid foundation that has been built on previous foundations. Don’t destroy that foundation in search of false hope. Protect it," the President told the over 700 young people.

Noting that the youth represent close to 70 percent of the country’s population, President Kenyatta said they deserve more opportunities as proposed in the BBI document.

He asked all leaders to work together and put in place an enabling environment and the right policies to end poverty.

The President said the proposed reforms contained in the BBI document will fix the constitutional gaps in the 2010 Constitution and provide permanent solutions to the challenges facing the country especially the youth.

He emphasized the need for institutional change and a change of mindset that will enable the youth to be self sufficient and independent.

“There are institutional problems in our country that must be resolved. If we don’t resolve these institutional problems, we are not going to resolve the problem of poverty and we are not going to meet the expectations of our young people. It is not possible,” the President said.

Speaking during the meeting, the youth assured the Head of State that they will stand firm behind him in support of BBI.

They extolled the benefits contained in the proposed changes that include exemption of youthful entrepreneurs from paying taxes for a period of seven years from the moment they register their business.

The youths, who included CAS Zack Kinuthia and Commissioner Wambui Nyutu, also applauded BBI, saying it will help the country to achieve the two thirds gender rule.

“We will market the document to the rest of the youth in the country because it represents our aspirations,” Commissioner Wambui Nyutu said.

Earlier, President Kenyatta made an impromptu inspection visit of the new Shs 1 billion Chaka Market shortly after attending Sunday Mass at the neighbouring Arch Angel Michael Chaka Catholic Parish.

Speaking to jubilant Chaka Town residents who turned up to receive him, the Head of State said the modern market which is 98 percent complete will transform livelihoods in the area by providing a conducive environment for traders to do business and farmers to sell their produce.