13-year-old cancer patient featured by 'Nation' dies just as help arrives

Meru Hospice Coordinator Gladys Mucee gives medication for pain relief to Kevin Muriungi at his home in Meru on April 8, 2015. Kevin succumbed to cancer on April 14, 2015 just as he was about to be taken to Kenyatta National Hospital for further treatment after the intervention by well-wishers. FILE PHOTO | DAVID MUCHUI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Kevin Muriungi succumbed to the disease on Tuesday night as he was about to be transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital.
  • The management of Trinity Care Centre described the death as unfortunate as they were ready to help Kevin get better treatment.
  • He was diagnosed with cancer of adenitis with post nasal tumour at Chaaria Mission Hospital in September 2014 and referred to KNH for further treatment.
  • Meru Hospice coordinator Gladys Mucee says the organisation had put Kevin on liquid morphine and multivitamin drugs to manage the disease.

A 13-year-old cancer patient, whose story of suffering was featured by Nation.co.ke on Sunday attracting well-wishers who sought to assist him, has died.

Kevin Muriungi succumbed to the disease on Tuesday night.

He was set to get further treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital following the intervention of Trinity Care Centre in Ngong' after reading his story on Nation.co.ke.

Kevin died at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital after being admitted there by a Good Samaritan in collaboration with the Meru Hospice as they arranged to take him to KNH.

The young patient's relative was supposed to sign a consent letter Wednesday to allow his transfer to KNH for further treatment.

The management of Trinity Care Centre described the death as unfortunate as they were ready to help Kevin get better treatment.

Last month, a Good Samaritan took Kevin to Meru Hospice.

LIVED IN PAIN AND AGONY

He had been living in agony with his grandmother, only affording normal pain killers that could not manage his condition.

He was diagnosed with cancer of adenitis with a post-nasal tumour at Chaaria Mission Hospital in September 2014 and was referred to KNH for further treatment.

Having been abandoned and shunned by his father due to his health condition, no attempt was made to take him to KNH.

The boy had been suffering searing pain, with the tumour having blocked his nasal cavity while the right eye was blinded by the swelling.

Kevin's mother died after a short illness 10 years ago.

ABANDONED BY HIS FATHER

He was abandoned by his father, who is said to be an alcoholic.

The boy found refuge at his grandmother's home.

The Standard Six dropout and his sister, Hilda Kanja, lived with their grandmother, Jacinta Kabithi, who is in her 80s.

Meru Hospice Coordinator Gladys Mucee says the organisation had put Kevin on liquid morphine and multivitamins to manage the disease.

"Muriungi was brought to us in a lot of pain. Due to the tumour, he was struggling to breathe through his mouth while one eye was affected.

“His Standard Six sister also suffered trauma due to her brother's condition," she said.

Ms Mucee said the organisation would make sure that Kevin's grandmother and his sister would be taken good care of.

"We will make sure that Kevin's sister and his grandmother get food and other basic things and we will also help them burry Kevin," she said.