By Reuben Olita
Embakasi Police Station officer Maureen Amai Ichasi was on Thursday laid to rest at Okuleu village in Amagoro location Teso North Sub County after battling breast cancer for about three years.
Maureen,41, was until her death on 9th December 2023 discharged her duties as a trained rider. She was given a 21 gun salute by her colleagues before the body was laid to rest.
Maureen enjoyed good health until she started complaining of pain in her left breast in 2020. She tried to manage the pain conservatively for some time until October 2020, when the breast pain and discomfort became unbearable.
In the same month, she went through thorough medical examinations, tests, and a biopsy, which came out negative.
The doctor then prescribed her for a surgery to remove the painful lumps in the breast. It was after the surgery that doctors discovered she had breast cancer stage three. Since then, she went through rigorous cancer treatment.
Maureen was admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital in February 2023, where she felt better after a few days and was discharged. She returned to the same health facility after a week, where she underwent treatment for several days before being discharged.
The officer began gaining back her health until August when the illness put her down. She continued with hospital visits until November 23rd when her health deteriorated.
Maureen was rushed to hospital, where she continued to fight bravely until 9th December when she succumbed to the ailment, albeit with a lot of bravery, courage, and positivity.
In a condolence message from Deputy Inspector General, addresed to the deceased father Michael Papa Ichasi, and read by Chief Inspector Anthony Khamala, the DIG said it’s with profound grief and sorrow that I have learnt the death of your daughter.
The National Police Service has suffered the loss of an officer who was well disciplined and committed to serving the public since June 30th, 2007, when she was enlisted into the police service as a police constable.
After her training at Kiganjo, Maureen was posted to Mbaraki Police station in Mombasa. She was later transferred to Embakasi Police station, where she continued discharging her duties until her demise on 9th December, 2023, at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Khamala said, since Maureen was part of the National Police Service fraternity, it will carter for her two children’s schoolfees until they complete their education.
Maureen was a go-getter. She would pursue something without fear.It’s this attribute that made her become a rider.She also gained diverse knowledge during her service through developmental courses.
Maureen’s mother, Fridah Ichasi, said that despite failing to secure a place in the police recruitment exercise three times in Amagoro, her daughter travelled to Nairobi to try her luck there where she was successful.
The family in its tribute said throughout the period of Maureen’s illness, she demonstrated courage and braveness, noting that her spirit and legacy will forever remain with them.
Leaders who attended the burial, including Malaba Municipality Board Member Ishmael Orodi, County Executive Committee Member for ICT, Strategic Partnership, UNSDGS, Economic revitalization and digital economy, Douglas Okiring and Dr William Okedi called for concerted efforts to reduce none communicable diseases which are taking their toll on Kenyans.
