The outgoing Laikipia West Sub County Police Commander (SCPC), Molu Kotobu has died a week after retiring.

The officer who was yet to hand over to his successor succumbed to suspected Covid-19 related complications.

Molu died on Thursday evening while receiving treatment at the Nanyuki Teaching and Referral hospital, the Laikipia West Deputy County Commissioner Hezron Nyamberi has said.

He becomes the first high ranking government official in the County to die of the pandemic.

“He was taken ill two weeks ago and has been admitted at the hospital in a stable condition. It is sad that we have lost him,” said Nyamberi.

Molu who has served in Laikipia West for two years is credited to have improved security in the sub county which is prone to banditry attacks and cattle rustling.

“He has been at the forefront in fighting crime and improving security in this area,” said Nyamberi confirmed.

Local leaders have also described the officer as a hardworking and dedicated officer.

He is expected to be buried later this afternoon his Marsabit County home.

The officer’s death amplifies concern that Laikipia County is facing rising cases of Covid-19. The county has reported14 deaths related to Covid –19 in the last two weeks.

“As a county we have a cumulative number of 2,059 starting from last year. But in the month of April, this year we have recorded 299 cases in the county,” said Laikipia County Health Chief Officer, Donald Mugoi.

Mugoi Laikipia West constituency and specifically Nyahururu town is the most affected by the spike.

“Laikipia West constituency has reported a total number of 209 cases this month only, most of the fatalities that the county has reported within the same period are from Laikipia West,” the Chief Officer said.

He said that 30 patients are currently admitted to various health facilities in the county where all of them are under supplemental oxygen.

“Those who are coming to our hospitals are very critical patients that are actually requiring oxygen and we cannot have enough oxygen for everyone,” he said.