Grade 1 Pupil In A Coma After Falling During School Trip
A family in Githurai 44 is seeking justice for their son, who was injured in an accident involving a merry-go-round on Tuesday of this week.
Caleb Odanga, age 7, fell from the merry-go-round swing while on a school trip and is now fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).
The incident threatens the young boy’s life, with physicians informing his family that he has little likelihood of recovery and that no medical interventions can reverse the situation.
The family has been advised to remove their son’s life support, or, in simpler terms, to pull the plug.
In the intensive care unit, tubes and machines encircle the child, a constant reminder of the fragility of life.
Caleb is unlikely to recover, according to the assessment of two independent physicians, so it is imperative that the family sign a form granting doctors permission to discontinue life support.
“Hapumui kwa njia ile inastahili…kutoka Tuesday tumejadiliana na madaktari wakasema wamefika mwisho kwa sababu akili imeharibiwa,” said a relative, Stephen Maina Githua.
“If I sign that (form), I will be sending my son to his death,” his father, Mwangi Odanga, explained.
According to the family, the doctors informed them of the severity of their son’s brain damage and that it is unlikely that he will regain the ability to live a rational life, but the family insists they will adhere to every hope and even seek a second opinion.
Mr. Odanga added, “It is our belief that there is still hope, and we are requesting an expert because we cannot sign a form stating that our son has passed away.”
“Moyo wetu sio mtoto akufe, atibiwe aweze kupona,” remarked his grandfather, Maina Githua.
The Greens Angels Academy Grade One learner fell off the swing during a field excursion to Destiny Gardens in Kiambu’s Ruiru neighborhood.
“Walipomfunga kwa ile merry-go-round, mtoto alianguka kutoka juu akakimbizwa hapo,” remarked his father.
The family of the young child whose life is in jeopardy blames the school administration for abandoning them in their time of need.
“Leo hii tumewapigia simu wakasema hawako…they can’t have a meeting with us…na sisi tuliwapa mtoto wetu akiwa mzima, wakaturudishia akiwa ICU,” stated his aunt Lucy Matunda.
In a phone conversation, the director of the school, Hilda Mwangi, denied the allegations and stated that the school is willing to assist the family in any way possible.
“We have been following up with the family since taking the child to the hospital until yesterday,” Ms. Mwangi said.
The management of Destiny Gardens, while sympathizing with the family, asserts that the merry-go-round swing was in excellent condition and all safety precautions were strictly adhered to.
“It was a terrible occurrence… Director John Njuguna lamented, “The machine has all the safety features… The instructor was present, and he made sure everything was in order.”
Despite the physicians’ assessment and Caleb’s condition, the family is seeking a second opinion in the hope of a miracle, believing that their son will awaken from his coma.
Grade 1 Pupil In A Coma After Falling During School Trip