Silverio Omari
A 31-year-old woman from Mugamba-ciura village in Mwea-East Sub-county is in distress after accidentally swallowing a needle, which has been lodged in her throat for over four weeks.
Everine Karekia, a mother of four who is currently breastfeeding her eight-month-old baby, recounted the incident from her rental home in Mugamba-ciura. She explained that while sewing her baby’s clothes, she placed the needle in her mouth, which led to the unfortunate accident. Kelvin Maina, Karekia’s husband, expressed deep concern over her condition. Despite visits to both Embu Level 5 Hospital and Kerugoya Level 4 Hospital, the needle remains lodged in her throat.
Maina shared their financial struggles, saying, “It’s been four weeks, and the needle is still in her throat. The hospitals are asking for Ksh 10,000 to locate the needle, but we simply can’t afford it. We’re struggling to feed our family, and my wife is still suffering.”
The local community, spearheaded by David Karatai, has started a fundraising effort to support the family. Karatai emphasized the severity of their situation, pointing out that Karekia has been confined to her home for weeks, unable to seek further medical assistance due to the high costs.
“After being referred from Kerugoya Hospital to a private facility, they couldn’t proceed because they couldn’t afford it. It’s alarming that a Level 4 hospital couldn’t address this emergency,” Karatai stated.
Concerned residents, including Lydia Kiura, have expressed their fears for Karekia’s life, especially as she struggles to eat while breastfeeding her infant. “Are we going to lose her because of a lack of money, despite having elected leaders in this region?” Kiura asked.
The community continues to rally around the family, hoping to raise the necessary funds to secure the urgent medical care Karekia needs.
Dj Vnyash
