Covid-19 has claimed the life of renowned academician Maurice Wamang'oli (pictured).

The academic giant passed away yesterday at The Nairobi Hospital.

Prof Wamang'oli adds to the list of prominent persons from Bungoma County who have succumbed to the virus.

Engineer Maurice Namiinda was the first reported Covid-19 patient to succumb to the virus in April. Two weeks later, he was followed by Antony Waswa, the younger brother of Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula and Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi.

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Before the dust could settle, Doreen Lugaliki, 38, a consultant obstetrician succumbed to the disease and 24 hours after her burial, the virus claimed Wamang'oli.

Until his death, Wamang'oli was a senior lecturer at the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering at the University of Nairobi. 

News of his death was met with mixed reactions, with people from all walks of life celebrating his accomplishments in life.

Wetang'ula said Wamang’oli's death was a big loss to the nation. He hailed his tremendous contributions to the country while working as a don for many years.

“It is a terrible loss to his family, friends and the country. He was resourceful. My condolences to his family and the UoN where he taught for many years,” Wetang’ula posted on his Twitter account.

Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati mourned Wamang’oli as a seasoned teacher, a well-travelled scholar and an expert engineer who has his name and handprint on several building projects in Nairobi.

“We have suffered the brunt of Covid-19 pandemic that continues to ravage the country. As we mourn our gallant kinsmen, let us stay alert and adhere to the advice given by our medical experts,” said Wangamati.

Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga said the scholar and researcher's death was a big loss.

“He was a man I held in high esteem and was the pride of Bumula people. We have lost an icon," said Mwambu.

Bungoma Woman Rep Catherine Wambilianga and former Bumula MP Bifwoli Wakoli gave glowing tributes to the academician, and asked the people of Bungoma to take heart.