Kirinyaga woman in distress after accidentally swallowing a needle

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 clothing, she placed the needle in her mouth, leading to the unfortunate accident.

Her husband, Kelvin Maina, expressed his deep concern over the situation. Despite visiting Embu Level 5 Hospital and Kerugoya Level 4 Hospital, the needle remains stuck in her throat. 

Maina lamented their financial struggles, stating, “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 initiated a fundraising effort to support the family. Karatai highlighted the family's dire situation, noting that Karekia had been confined to her home for weeks, unable to seek further medical assistance due to the prohibitive 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 voiced their fears for Karekia’s life, particularly 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 to secure the medical care Karekia urgently needs.