Lenah Kaimuri says the pain of losing her child was made even worse by the alleged actions of the boy’s father after his death.
According to Lenah, Mwenda was a healthy and cheerful child who had never shown serious health problems while growing up.
The two lived in Meru town, although the young boy occasionally visited his grandmother in Igembe Central.
Trouble began when they were returning home after a school mid-term break and Mwenda suddenly complained of a severe headache and weakness in his knees.
Alarmed by his condition, Lenah took him to hospital immediately. After several tests and scans, doctors delivered devastating news that the child had a brain tumour. He was later referred to different hospitals, including Kenyatta National Hospital, where he underwent surgery to drain fluid from his brain before doctors attempted to remove the tumour.
Although the operation was successful, Mwenda remained in the Intensive Care Unit as doctors monitored his recovery. Lenah stayed by his bedside for 21 days, caring for him alone until he sadly passed away.
The grieving mother claims that during the hospitalisation, the child’s father neither visited nor contributed to the medical bills.
She further alleged that after the boy’s death, the man collected burial contributions in their village but spent the money on personal needs instead of settling hospital and funeral expenses.
With support from friends, family, and a hospital social worker who helped secure a bill waiver, Lenah eventually managed to clear the remaining mortuary fees and give her son a dignified burial.