Beatrice Murugi, a former Kenyan professional marathoner from Nyahururu, was rescued and taken to hospital for urgent medical attention after her story spread widely across social media, drawing an outpouring of concern from Kenyans.
Her journey into athletics began in 2009, when a kind-hearted elder from her village recognised her talent and sponsored her to travel to Japan, where she completed her secondary school education and began training seriously.
Which races was Beatrice Murigi competing professionally in?
By 2012, she was competing professionally in 10KM and 21KM races, earning enough to transform her family’s circumstances.
She purchased land in Nyahururu, built her mother a home, educated her siblings, and acquired a lorry to generate additional income for the household.
The first blow came when the lorry was involved in a fatal accident near Delmonte.
When did Beatrice Murugi’s health start to deteriorate?
The driver had failed to inform Beatrice that the insurance had lapsed, meaning she was left personally liable for the medical expenses of the injured victims.
The financial damage was severe. Then, in late 2020, her health began to deteriorate. Her abdomen started swelling progressively, eventually resembling a pregnancy despite her not being pregnant.
She visited multiple hospitals seeking answers, spending what little she had left, yet her condition showed no improvement.
Beatrice Murugi allegedly forced out of family home in Embu
Her husband, unwilling to stand by her, alleged she was cursed and forced her out of their family home in Embu before abandoning her and their child entirely. Her own mother reportedly turned her away as well.
Since then, Beatrice has been living in a one-thousand-shilling rental room in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga County, picking tea and taking on casual labour to feed her 10-year-old child and cover basic expenses.
After her situation gained traction online, a rescue team from teamvoicee intervened, transporting her to Kerugoya Level 5 Hospital, where she is currently receiving care.
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Doctors advice to Beatrice Murugi
Doctors have reportedly advised that she requires surgery, making her situation medically urgent.
Those behind her rescue are appealing for financial support to cover the cost of her operation, her child’s school fees, food, and other basic needs as she works towards recovery.
The Ministry of Sports and Athletics Kenya has also been called upon to take notice of Beatrice’s plight, with supporters arguing that athletes who gave so much to the country deserve not to be forgotten when circumstances turn against them.
