Clinicians in the country have been thrown into mourning following the death of their colleague.
Hulda Mahikizo, a clinical officer anaesthetist, died on Wednesday at around 5pm while trying to save her two-year-old son from a house fire.
At the time of her death, Mahikizo was the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) Mombasa branch treasurer.
Reports indicate that the fire started in the bedroom and might have been caused by an electric fault.
At the time of the incident, Mahikizo had gone to the shop when neighbours saw smoke coming from the house.
She entered the house in an attempt to save her child but was unfortunately overwhelmed by the flames and succumbed together with her son.
KUCO SG George Gibore in a statement on Thursday termed the demise of Mahikizo as a devastating loss to clinicians and the healthcare fraternity.
"It is with a heavy heart that we pen this letter to express our profound sorrow over the untimely passing of our colleague, Clinical Officer Anaesthetist Hulda Mahikizo," Gibore said.
"She tragically lost her life while heroically attempting to rescue her two-year-old son from a house fire," he added.
Gibore has eulogised the clinician as a person who exhibited unwavering dedication and commitment both in her capacity as an employee of the county and a union official.
According to Gibore, Mahikizo was an employee of the Mombasa county government serving as a clinical anaesthetist at Port Reitz Subcounty Hospital.
She has served in the capacity of the KUCO Mombasa branch treasurer since 2017.
"Her passing leaves a void in our fraternity, a void that cannot be easily filled," Gibore said.
"Hulda was not only a skilled professional but also a compassionate individual whose kindness touched the lives of many," he added.
He said the union would do everything possible to ensure she is accorded a befitting and dignified farewell.