Mwingi Pupil Goes Blind, Misses KCPE

Stella Vaati with her mother Kathini Maluki

By Guest writer

Stella Vaati, 15, casts a forlorn look at her hospital bed at Mwingi Level IV Hospital where she sits idle most of the day even as her peers write their KCPE Exams.

Unlike other KCPE candidates who are busy writing their exams, Vaati is not able to do her exams.

She has gone blind. Few days to the examination day, the girl whose name means luck lost her sight, reportedly due to a tumour in her brain.

The Kisole Primary School pupil in Mwingi Central is now blind and has to rely on the help of her mother to even go to the toilet.

"She has been complaining of constant headache in the recent past. I used to buy her pain killers but when the pain persisted I brought her to the hospital," says Kathini Maluki, the girl's mother.

That was about eight days ago, and she was hoping the daughter would be discharged in time to sit for her exams. Then misfortune struck, she went blind.

The hospital superintendent Dr Evans Mumo yesterday told the Standard that the girl's condition is serious, adding that they have referred her to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for specialized treatment.

"Our tests show a brain tumour, and that is what has possibly led to her loss of sight. A more advanced facility would be able to help her," Mumo said.

The hospital is only managing her with a cocktail of painkillers. It has no capacity to remove the tumour.

Mwingi Central Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Komen said he tried to intervene and have the girl sit for her exams from the hospital bed but she was unable to since she cannot see.

Vaati has not lost hope though. "I was ready, and I'm willing to do the exams, if only i could regain my sight," she said.

Her mother, who is a widow is now appealing for help to have her daughter treated, and possibly do her exams, even if with the other KCPE lot set to sit for their exams later this year.

"I cannot afford her treatment at Kenyatta hospital. I'm just a struggling widow with other children to take care of," says the mother with teary eyes.

Should you be willing to help, contact MAMA VAATI 0708 746938