A 31-year-old woman from Mugamba-ciura village in Mwea-East Sub-county is in distress after accidentally swallowing a needle that has been lodged in her throat for over four weeks. Everine Karekia, a mother of four currently breastfeeding her eight-month-old baby, shared her ordeal from her rental home in Mugamba-ciura.
She explained that the incident occurred while she was sewing her baby’s clothing; she had placed the needle in her mouth when the accident happened. Her husband, Kelvin Maina, expressed deep concern for her condition.
Despite visiting Embu Level 5 Hospital and Kerugoya Level 4 Hospital, the needle remains stuck in her throat. Maina lamented their financial struggles, saying, “This is the fourth week with the needle still in her throat. The hospitals are asking for Ksh 10,000 to trace the needle, but we cannot afford it. We are struggling to feed our family, and my wife continues to suffer.”
The local community, led by David Karatai, has started a fundraising campaign to support the family. Karatai highlighted their dire situation, noting that Karekia has been confined to her home for weeks and cannot seek further medical assistance due to the high costs.
“After being referred from Kerugoya Hospital to a private facility, they were unable to proceed because they couldn’t afford the services. It’s alarming that a Level 4 hospital couldn’t address this emergency,” Karatai remarked.
Concerned residents, including Lydia Kiura, have expressed fears for Karekia’s life, especially as she struggles to eat while breastfeeding her infant. “Are we going to lose her over a lack of money, despite having elected leaders in this region?” Kiura questioned.
The community continues to rally around the family in hopes of raising the necessary funds for Karekia’s urgent medical care.
