By C, KNA
Former Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) Chief Executive Officer Dr. George Rae has died while undergoing treatment in South Korea, Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o has announced.
Dr. Rae, who served as JOOTRH CEO between 2020 and 2024, passed away while on an official work-related tour abroad, where he fell ill.
Until his death, he was serving as Head of Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation at the Kisumu County Department of Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation.
In a condolence message, Prof. Nyong’o described Dr. Rae as a visionary health leader whose work transformed public healthcare in Kisumu County and beyond.
“Dr Rae was an exceptional servant of the people, an accomplished clinician, a visionary administrator and a gentle yet firm leader whose commitment to public healthcare transformed institutions and touched countless lives,” he said.
Prof. Nyong’o noted that even after handing over leadership of JOOTRH in February 2024 to Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, Dr. Rae continued to serve the county as a healthcare adviser, offering strategic guidance in partnerships, resource mobilisation and health sector reforms.
“He believed in teamwork, listened attentively and mentored generously, approaching every challenge as a learner as much as a leader,” the Governor said, adding that his legacy would continue to guide the county’s health system.
Kisumu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Medical Services Dr. Gregory Ganda described Dr. Rae as a passionate advocate for the vulnerable, particularly patients living with sickle cell disease, and a leader whose mentorship nurtured generations of health professionals.
“We mourn as a county and as a nation, having lost a dedicated son whose life’s work strengthened our health systems and restored hope to many,” he said.
JOOTRH Acting CEO Dr. Clinton Okise said Dr. Rae’s death was a major loss not only to the hospital but also to Kisumu County and the national healthcare fraternity.
He noted that his tenure marked a period of major institutional transformation driven largely by partnerships.
Among his flagship initiatives was the pioneering of the Sickle Cell ZERO movement, which led to Kisumu County’s first sickle cell conference, the formation of Warrior Support Groups and the integration of trained sickle cell warriors into the healthcare system.
He added that through strategic collaborations, Dr. Rae also helped bring bone marrow transplant services closer to patients in western Kenya.
His leadership, he said, also oversaw major infrastructure projects at JOOTRH, including the establishment of the Kwee Funeral Parlour, an oxygen plant that proved critical during the Covid-19 pandemic, and a modern kitchen facility that replaced outdated infrastructure.
Tributes poured in after JOOTRH staff were informed of the loss on Saturday morning prompting an outpouring of messages from colleagues who described Dr. Rae as a mentor, a unifier and a humane leader.
“What a fine gentleman. Go forth, Papa,” wrote Dr. Albert Ng’ong’a, while his former secretary, Alice Moraa, recalled his respect for both senior and junior staff.
On December 11, 2025, JOOTRH honoured its former chief executives during a ceremony, though Dr. Rae was unable to attend as he had already travelled abroad.