Former marathoner Beatrice Murugi recovering at KNH after surgery

Former Kenyan marathon star Beatrice Murugi is recovering at Kenyatta National Hospital after undergoing surgery to remove a large mass that had developed in her womb and left her struggling to walk.

Murugi’s case came to public attention after her story was highlighted on Citizen TV last month, prompting Principal Secretary for Energy Alex Wachira to intervene and help facilitate her admission and treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Speaking during a visit to the hospital, Wachira said Murugi was admitted within days after her case was brought to his attention, with the Nyeri County Government providing an ambulance to transport her to Nairobi.

Doctors subsequently performed surgery, successfully removing the large mass that had been affecting her mobility.

Wachira said Murugi is recovering well and is expected to be discharged in a week time as she continues her recovery.

“She has very high spirits. She is recovering very well,” Wachira said, adding that once she regains her strength, Murugi can resume training and pursue her sporting ambitions.

For Murugi, recovery is not just about regaining her health. The former athlete hopes to return to competitive running and participate in the 2029 World Athletics Championships, which Kenya is scheduled to host.

Her journey from elite athletics to battling illness has been marked by a series of health challenges that brought her sporting career to a halt.

Her latest surgery, however, could offer her an opportunity to rebuild her life and return to the sport that once defined her.

Kenyatta National Hospital revealed its plan to establish a sports medicine hub, an initiative that could provide specialised care for athletes and patients recovering from sports-related injuries and other conditions affecting their ability to compete.

Meanwhile, Dr. Wycliffe Akikuvi Musalia who led Murugi’s medical team said she had a large mass arising from her womb and underwent surgery about a week ago.

The doctor said Murugi has been recovering well and received seven units of blood during her treatment.

He added that she is now stable and is being prepared for discharge, which is expected within the next week.

For Murugi, the next chapter will be about recovery, rebuilding her strength and, hopefully, returning to the track with her eyes firmly set on the 2029 World Athletics Championships to be held in Nairobi.