Mombasa woman bedridden after birthday party as police probe suspected poisoning

Rose Mwende Mala has been bedridden and unable to speak for the past nine months, with her family suspecting that she may have been exposed to a toxic substance, possibly lead or zinc.

As the family struggles to understand what happened, they are also appealing for financial assistance to meet her mounting medical expenses, while condemning misleading claims circulating on social media.

What started as Rose Mwende's 32nd birthday celebration with friends on Valentine's Day this year turned into a nightmare for her family.

In the midst of the celebrations, Rose reportedly fell asleep. That moment would mark a turning point in her life and that of her family.

Nine months later, she remains bedridden, unable to speak or perform even the most basic daily activities, with her family saying she has suffered extensive brain damage.

Her mother, Patricia Mala, recounted the changes she noticed after the birthday celebration.

“Wakati alikuwa kwa hiyo sherehe alizima. Hajaongea wakati alilalia meza. Hajaongea hadi wa leo. Ni mimi namfanyia kila kitu," she stated.

Her brother, Fabian Mala, said the family was struggling to understand why Rose was the only person affected despite attending the celebration with several friends.

The family is desperate for answers on what could have happened that night. According to a doctor attending to Rose, her symptoms could be consistent with exposure to toxic substances such as lead or zinc.

However, the family says the cost of treatment continues to rise, making it difficult to sustain her medical care. They are now appealing to well-wishers for financial support.

A family friend, Fridah Muya, appealed for financial assistance to help the family meet Rose's medical expenses.

“Tunaomba usaidizi vile familia inaweza kuwa assisted, sababu wako chini kidogo na wanatumia gharama nyingi sana matibabu kila siku,” said Muya.

Despite the matter being reported at Bamburi Police Station, no arrests have been made. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Bamburi are continuing with investigations to establish what happened.

The family is also raising concern over claims circulating on social media, urging Kenyans to stop spreading misleading information about the circumstances surrounding Rose's condition.