The medical profession is mourning the death of Dr. James Munene, a top Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon and lecturer.
According to medical colleagues, Jimmy, as he was affectionately known was admitted for a scheduled procedure a month ago.
The procedure, on one of his lungs, was successfully done. He was then transferred to the ICU for post-operation recovery.
He remained in the ICU for around three weeks until he succumbed.
He has mentored some of Kenya’s top surgeons and is revered worldwide.
A firm believer in Kenya’s health system, Dr. Munene offered to be treated locally rather than abroad.
Affectionately referred to as the smiling Doctor, Jimmy passed away on Saturday night.
Dr. Munene joined the University of Nairobi in 1979 and graduated in 1985.
Upon graduation, he specialized in heart and lung surgery, becoming one of Kenya’s most-sought after Cardio-thoracic.
A staunch Roman Catholic and mentor, Munene was a Rector at Flora Hostels, 4th Ngong Avenue where he religiously attended Mass daily at 6.15 am.
The medical fraternity described the late Dr. Munene as a jovial and humble man.
“Jimmy was a marvelous man. A top surgeon, down to earth, God-fearing. The profession is broke without him”, said a doctor on condition of anonymity.
The ever-smiling doctor has mentored young surgeons, especially the heart and thoracic medicine.
