•He has been serving at the Wajir Referral Hospital as chief surgeon since 2017.
•Wajir East OCPD Kennedy Simami said the driver has already been arrested and will be arraigned in court on Wednesday.
Wajir residents and health practitioners on Tuesday demonstrated to demand justice for the death of renowned surgeon Dr Zinaye Zeleke.
Dr Zeleke, an Ethiopian, died on Monday evening after he was hit by a speeding police car near Grand Oasis Hotel, Wajir.
He has been serving at the Wajir Referral Hospital as chief surgeon since 2017.
Wajir East OCPD Kennedy Simami said the driver has already been arrested and will be arraigned on Wednesday.
“We are saddened by the turn of events. Losing such a brilliant doctor in such a manner was not only regrettable but also cruel,” Dr Hassan Mohamed said.
Amina Hassan, a resident, described the loss as a huge one.
Hassan said the doctor had performed a cleft operation on her three-year-old son last month.
“I lack words to describe what I am feeling. Dr Zeleke was a big asset to our county through his services. He was kind-hearted and dedicated to his work. We will not get his replacement,” Hassan said.
County director of medical services Dr Dahir Somo said the doctor performed cleft lift and cleft pallet surgery.
“I have closely worked with Dr Zeleke, he was amongst the best. He attended to his patients quietly, did everything to perfection and was loved by all,” Dr Somo said.
“He will be missed by residents and fellow medical doctors especially the young one whom he natured. We pray for justice to prevail and his killer to face the full wrath of the law.”
Led by Governor Ahmed Muktar, leaders called for speedy prosecution of the driver who caused the accident.
“Dr Zeleke was a true gentleman who touched so many lives over the years at Wajir Referral Hospital. We will always be thankful for the excellent services he gave us,” Muktar said.
“I urge road users, the public and especially the police vehicle drivers to limit their speed and be cautious when driving. It’s through reckless driving that we lost our long-term surgeon.”
Former Governor Ahmed Abdullahi said the county has lost a true friend and a pillar in the health service sector.
“To his family and friends, May you find peace to get through this difficult period,” he said.
“We have indeed lost an irreplaceable surgeon whose contribution to our county’s progress over the years will be dearly missed.”
His body has been airlifted to Nairobi as arrangements to have him flown to his home country continue.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris