An ODM campaign official in the Msambweni December 15 by-election has died of Covid-19, while the party's candidate Omar Boga tested positive for the virus.
Joseph Omuya died on Thursday at the Coast General Hospital in Mombasa, the party's Kwale County Branch Chairman Hassan Mwanyoa said yesterday.
"It is unfortunate that we have lost one of our chief campaigner's Joseph Omuya, who until his death was the party's Kwale County Organising Secretary," said Mwanyoa.
He described Omuya, who is scheduled to be buried on November 19, as an asset to the party and community.
Yesterday, Boga said he had also contracted the virus and was admitted to the Mombasa Hospital for a week.
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"It is true I was taken ill and admitted to hospital, but I am grateful to have survived. I am now on the path to recovery,” said Boga.
All nine candidates cleared to contest in the by-elections have scaled down public rallies and adopted door-to-door campaigns to stop spread of the virus.
Boga, the former Bongwe/Gombato MCA, is competing against eight other candidates in the December 15 by-election occasioned by the death of Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori in March.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho said a senior nurse at Port Rietz died on Saturday after contracting the coronavirus.
"It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the loss of our heroine nurse Margaret Mwadime. She was in the front line in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic," said Joho.
The governor urged residents to strictly adhere to the Covid-19 containment measures put in place by the Ministry of Health.
Last week, the government shut down two public health facilities in Likoni and Shika Adabu after several workers tested positive for Covid-19.
At the same time, over 500 people have been arrested, 10 bars closed and several public transport vehicles impounded in an operation targeting those flouting Covid-19 protocols at the Coast.
"The operation against those flouting Covid-19 regulations will continue until we flatten the curve," said Coast Coordinator John Elungata, adding that the government will not hesitate to take stern action against matatus disregarding health regulations.
