The man who stayed true to his wife and bed-rode her for 10 years

Wambua and his daughter Patience at their house, holding her mother's potrait

By Simon Ingari
Simoningari7@gmail.com

In 2001 a confident Stanislaus Wambua met a fine-looking Esther Munzi at a friend’s house.

They then became close friends, a chance that Wambua would later use to pop the question to her in 2002. He opened his heart; and told her that he wanted to lock their hearts together and throw the keys in a bottomless pit.

Nonetheless, what Wambua didn’t know was that he would take the untrodden path if he had to walk the love of his life down the aisle and rediscover himself in many ways he had never before anticipated.

After a customary engagement as dictated by the tradition, the lovebirds decided to settle together in 2005, Nairobi city.

“We had our first born on May 7th, 2005 and we were all overwhelmed by the baby,” Wambua says.

Patience Nthenya, the baby was christened, the only kid Wambua will ever have with Esther as fate will have it.

“It was barely one and a half months since the delivery when I received a distress call from a neighbour on June 15th, 2005 informing that my wife had developed a complication and had been rushed at Kenyatta National Hospital,” Wambua says.

The concerned husband who works at an insurance firm, phoned his brother to accompany him at the Kenyatta National Hospital.

Esther was treated of a mere fever and discharged immediately from the hospital, with prescribed medicines from the doctor which she was required to take so as to ease her fever in a few days.

But the fever wouldn’t succumb to the medicines; she was again rushed to the hospital for the second time. 

Wambua with his wife Esther at home in Umoja estate

“The doctor said that she had developed an infection that was undermining her nervous system,” Wambua explains saying that as a result, his beloved wife went into a coma a few days later.

Fortunately she came out of the coma, but she couldn’t speak nor walk as usual.

Her condition further got worse even after being admitted for four and a half months at the same medical facility. The doctors’ prowess proved nothing, he says.

In that admission period, Esther would undergo through a sequence of unbearable medical prescription where she was poked with needles, pumped with toxins and put through whirling medical examinations.

As the wedding time ticked closer, Wambua got even more vexed especially when he remembered his promise to her.

“But I was lucky because we had planned everything about our wedding before she got sick, we only needed to kick off,” Wambua states.

“I thus planned to wed her when she regains the very little strength that could enable her speak and write,” he says.

The little conscience would enable her make her vow and sign the marriage certificate as a testimony. Wambua was convinced beyond doubt that Esther would have done the same if he was the one crawling on the bed.

The curtain rolled down on June 28th, 2005 and the duos were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Wambua by Father John Kariba.

It was not your normal wedding however, that would be characterized with an expensive ring with the best gown in a deluxe environment.

“I only had a budget of sh. 40 for our wedding that was meant for two rings that cost sh. 20 each,” says Wambua.

He says that perhaps it was the cheapest wedding that the land will ever host though with a great value of love.

The knot that had been tied in the hospital had made Wambua’s heart pump with her love even more than before.

“I had just done nothing but fulfilled a promise I had made to her, I couldn’t afford to disappoint her because she had yearned for this day so much,” he says.

At home, Wambua was not resting either since a cloud of teething problems had engulfed his house.

“It wasn’t easy for me to look after one-and-half month baby, go to work and check on my wife in the hospital, but I tried my best that I could,” Wambua says.

He felt a weight lifted from his shoulder when his relative, Eunice Ndunge chipped in to help while he was at work. Eunice could stay with the baby as he attended to other duties.

Three months after wedding had barely gone than the doctor who had been treating Esther phoned Wambua again.

As he made his way to the hospital to see the doctor, a couple of negative premonitions couldn’t stop crisscrossing his mind.

“The doctor told me that Esther had paraplegia which was as a result of post-meningitis which he explained that it was a brain disorder that was complex to treat,” he says.

Wambua was thus advised to take his wife home by the doctor since her new condition was seemly untreatable.

“The doctor further advised me to take my wife home so as to save hospital bills and let the daughter also have Esther’s time,” he says.

The doctor was just hiding the worst news in his filibuster, as Wambua explains; he was silently shouting that Esther was going to die.

Esther Munzi

Esther –a skilled in beauty and hairdresser therapist-wasn’t going to return to her previous work she had left before giving birth. It also meant that Patience will never get her motherly care. Something that unwavering and buoyant Wambua couldn’t let it go down just like that.

Wambua took her home yet he couldn’t give up, he kept praying for her and doing all the best he could.

Days graduated into months which ushered in years, and with time, he had mustered and reorganized himself in a way that he could attend to his job, his daughter Patience and Esther.

“I usually woke up at 4:30 am so as to clean the house, prepare the breakfast, prepare Patience and take her to school before preparing myself for work.” he says.

Wambua also notes that he also had to clean his wife which involved washing-and-dressing her up and changing her diapers because her lower muscles had become uncontrollable.

“I would also leave at my work earlier to pick Patience from school, clean my wife and take her outside for fresh air then prepare our supper,” he says.

He employed house helps but they took to their heels once they couldn’t bare the process.

He cites an incidence where his new house help took off the very morning she had reported to work on the first day after discovering what was happening in the house.

He had gone for something at a nearby shop but only to discover that the house help had followed him incognito and taken off.

“Some house helps would frustrate my wife something I learnt from Esther’s reaction towards them, she could refuse taking their food or their services which was her only means of communication,” he says.

Wambua remained hopeful and faithful to his wife and did everything that he too, would have expected from Esther if he was the one in Esther’s shoes.

For ten years, he had bedridden his wife with unending love and passion that wasn’t relenting. His social life had observably changed.

Money-hunting cronies had sub-merged long before he could imagine; some of them were quick to tell him that he should take his wife back to their parents and end the marriage.

He only gave them cold feet and rather paid attention to those who could assist him in whichever way possible.

Others would advise him to try sorcerers’ power where science has failed.

Unlike before, he could no longer hang out with friends or even go away for more than a day; the time would rather be compensated to Patience who lacked her motherly care at the moment.

“I would visit my upcountry for a single day and come back the following day after inspecting my garden,” he explains.

“I would have left someone to take care of my wife and daughter before dashing back quickly,” he says citing an example of Daniel Maluta, his nephew who has been of worthwhile help to him.

Daniel would carry his wife in and out for some fresh air, feed her and keep an eye on her while he was at work.

In late 2007, Wambua afforded a smile when Esther seemed to respond to medicines; Esther could eat, talk and walk with the aid of clutches. It made Wambua limb with joy but that joy only lasted for a few months before her condition began deteriorating again.

“I wish you could have seen how I was happy,” Wambua says with a smile playing on his lips.

One of the biting problems as a result of Esther’s strange disease is that it has left Wambua a financially handicapped man.

For instance, a physiotherapist would visit once every two weeks and would cost Wambua sh. 1000 out of his pocket but later he would use sh.5000 to take her at Kenyatta National Hospital for therapy instead when the physiotherapist stopped coming at the house.

He also had to get her diapers which cost Wambua sh. 1,400 after every three days.

Last year 2013 in June, Wambua says that Esther was diagnosed with myelytis which the doctor explained to him that it was a neurological disorder caused by inflammation on the sides of the spinal cord.

It therefore required an operation that would cost sh. 2.5 million; money that was only a pipe dream at that time.

Wambua couldn’t stop fighting, he went on to raise amount in vain, the small donations he got wasn’t even enough for her upkeep.

On November 28th, 2014, was not like any other day she was being taken for a checkup at Kenyatta National Hospital. Wambua had noted enough convincing evidence.

Her serious condition than before had betrayed her that she wasn’t this round coming out of the bed, Wambua says that he had even prayed for her for a safe journey just in case.

“I knew that she needed a rest because being on a hospital bed for ten years was too tiring for her,” Wambua says.

On the day, she had drunk a huge unusual volume of yoghurt and porridge, something that was very unusual.

The very day, Patience had run to her and whispered a secret to her, and because of time, she was pulled away by an attendant who was on duty.

Then came on the Tuesday of December 2, 2014, when he received a call from the hospital. He says that he was ordered to rush to the hospital immediately.

“Everything that could go wrong went wrong on that morning,” Wambua says trying to fight back tears.

Walking to the hospital was the longest journey he took from his house in Umoja estate to Kenyatta, the journey that was punctuated with traffic mayhems.

Though this was one of his worst expectations; the news of his wife’s death cut through his heart like a hot knife through butter.

He just imagined how Esther had fought gallantly alone on the deathbed when the doctors had become helpless flies climbing across the granite face of death.

“End of marriage is not getting children but a completion of one another,” Wambua concludes the interview with his wise lesson.

Can you help Wambua settle his hospital bill and debts that amounts to about sh. 500,000? You can reach him through his email – dailycount99@gmail.com

What is your comment and reaction on this story? share with us.

Research: Roadside Food Patriots Think Twice

By Simon Ingari
Simoningari7@gmail.com

Mary Atieno boiling maize

Down the busy Ring Road in Nairobi suburb, the city council workers are busy cleaning the road as usual. They then dumb all sorts of wastes they have collected at different dumping sites located along the particular road.

A disturbing horde of hawkers bud out once the city council workers put their feet up.

The most of all appalling hawker menaces are the boiled-maize sellers who convert one of the dumping sites to a kitchen.

The compost site is comfortably used to prepare boiled maize locally known as mahindi chemsha, oblivious of the health hazards exposed to them.

Mrs. Mary Atieno is one of the mahindi chemsha hawkers, she says that they know how to dodge the city askaris and they are rarely caught, but sometimes they part with only Ksh.50 when caught.

“I place here my boiled maize strategically to catch people from work in the Nairobi CBD”, she says

She also states that she even sells to office guys who are crawling in cars on the typical Nairobi traffic jam.

Sample of boiling maize boiled by Mrs. Otieno

Her boiled maize goes for only Ksh.20 so as to attract more customers besides being sweet and tender to her customers, she utters.

A number of the customers are noticeably seen murmuring upon noticing some of the boiling maize on compost site but they quickly walk away chewing their maize to avoid losing their appetite.

Mr. John Macharia and Mr. Julius Ogutu, boda boda operators who operate at Serena stage in Nairobi say they have a preference of eating from the hawkers because the food is less expensive compared to those served in regular restaurants in the town. They also have to be on the lookout for prospective customers.

Despite the duos worry of the unhealthy conditions and environment where the foods are being prepared and sold, they don’t recall falling sick.

Studies have exposed that there are scores food borne diseases which can be contracted from such insanitary milieu.

Mrs. Josephine Mackenzie, a Food Inspector come Public Health Officer with Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, says that people who patronize street foods need to be conscious of the dangers of eating or buying foods in an unhygienic location.

Such foods could be contaminated by microorganisms which are present in the water, air or even on the hands of those who sell them, she cautions.

“These food vendors don’t adhere to necessary rules of hygiene during the preparation of their foods and even places where they sell foods are very insanitary”, Mrs. Mackenzie warns.

Mrs. Mackenzie also says that these food vendors don’t have basic requirements for food preparation such as running water for washing hands, medical certificate, don’t know the right food temperatures, and nearby clean toilets.

The places are popularly characterized by flies and dust in the air which settle on these foods and make them unhygienic for human health. She says.

Diseases like typhoid, cholera, gastrointestinal infection and E-coli infection which can cause diarrhea could be contracted through these foods, she explains.

A sugar cane hawker selling his cut canes

“These foods also could cause food poisoning”, Mackenzie reinstates advising that people should eat at home or carry along their packed food, if not buy well sealed food stuffs like drinks such as sodas.

Mr. Nicholus Kirimi, a doctor with St. Bridgets Health Centre in Nairobi, foods exposed along the roadside could cause problems such as dysentery and amoebiasis.

Thus he discourages patronizing of street food. He says that unclean water used by these vendors is a major carrier of these bacteria causing the diseases.

Mrs. Rachael Wanja , a secretary, says she has never fallen ill from eating street food since she makes sure that the surroundings where she wants to buy food from is clean and sound at all the times.

“I always carry fruits to my home and prepare them by myself after buying them from specific sellers, I am even more cautious when my children buy street food because I know they aren’t more keen”, she says.

“I am aware of the diseases associated with the unclean cooking environment and the food vendor has to be presentable, if the place is not clean I will prefer eating from somewhere else with better clean condition”, Mr. Wambugu Ngatiah, a lecturer says.

Even with the consequences of attendant health risks, street foods remain well-liked, not just in Kenya but also in many other budding countries.

The foods frequently found on the roadsides include boiled and roasted maize; cut fruits, mutura – a local concoction of roasted meat, fried cassava, bhajia, chips, cut sugar cane, roasted sweet potatoes, fruit juices among others.

In the Laws Of Kenya, hawking of food substances is prohibited under Food, Drugs And Chemical Substances Act, Chapter 254.

The Assistant Director City Inspectorate, Mr. James Muindi says that hawking of food stuffs is one of the problems they the city if facing and they are try as much as they can to stop it.

Mr. Muindi notes, “The high rate of unemployment and poverty leave these hawkers with no any other option but venture into hawking even after arrests”.

13 Astonishing Health Benefits of Banana. Nutritional Facts Revealed.

Staple food for many people and countries.

If you are not fan of banana fruit, trust me, you will be forced to like it after knowing the health benefits it has for your body. I know of people who cannot eat comfortably without grabbing a banana.

If you ask some people about their opinion on banana, they will be like am not a monkey to consume the fruit.

Found in more than 107 countries, banana is a staple fruit available almost everywhere. It can be consumed as a whole, beverage or ingredient with other food mostly carbohydrate. With its cheap price, you shouldn’t be thinking of an excuse for not making it part of your diet.

The best food you can eat

Banana fruit has numerous heaths significant in your body. It has nutritional and medicinal value which must put a smile on your lips. Without much time, let’s see what this ancient used fruit has in store for our bodies.

First and foremost, banana gives you enough energy for the maintenance of your body. Its content of sugar and fiber enhances strength for the movement and activities of the metabolic reaction. After feeling empty, choose banana and amazingly, you will be good to go.

Secondly, banana contains good source of minerals which the body needs. For instance, Potassium is available which in turn enhances kidney and bones. Not only that but also magnesium which assists in regulating blood pressure and protect against atherosclerosis.

Research carried out on 40,000 American male health professionals resulted in reduced risk of stroke. Banana contains less 4% calories thus taking good care of your body.

Another study gives strength to how the fruit lessens the impact of heart problems. Research by New England Journal of Medicine encourages regular eating of banana to reduce the risk of heart stroke by almost 40%. Don’t you think this really amazing?

Thirdly, banana contains anti-acid effect which prevents stomach ulcers. Are you suffering from endless heart burn? Worry not, from this minute you know what to do. The fruit provides your body with a compound called pro tease that enhances the stomach to defend against bacteria, causing gastrointestinal problems. How can you achieve this? Regular eating of the fruit will initiate creation of

Furthermore, healthy digestion is maintained by the banana fruit. Have you constipated recently or even going it through now?

You will be surprised to know that banana helps your reduce it. The common fruit is rich in soluble fiber pectin and all your digestion challenges are solve once and for all. The fruit helps relieve heart burn effects.

Who don’t want to be happy in their lives? Consuming this wonderful fruit enhances soothing effect on the body. Amazingly, the fruit reduces stress. Banana is source of amino acid which helps the body convert the acid to serotonin. This compound called serotonin is said to improve your mood and general happiness. What else will you ask for? Not only that but also at the same time, regulates good sleeping patterns. Eat banana and live happily afterwards.

Good source of vitamin B 6. Your body needs hemoglobin which is the source of red blood cells. In doing so, the blood in the body is maintained healthy. Your immune system is given strength with the creation of antibodies. Compound in the fruit gives strength to nervous system.

Banana has positive effect on the skin. The cover which is peeled remains significant for your body. Conditions like acne can be treated with the use of the peeled inside of the fruit. It is gently rubbed on the affected area of the skin; it takes time that is if applied carefully and continuously. Sure but slow, it helps.

With all these wonderful and healthy reasons, be on the watch out and don’t leave but instead make use of it.

Grab a banana after work out since it will prevent muscle cramps during erroneous exercise. Instead of eating junk food with excess sugar, consume banana and muscle cramps just disappear.

The fruit is good for Cancer treatment- reports indicate how it lowers risk of kidney cancer. Due to their high levels of antioxidant compound, the fruit reduces risk of colorectal cancer. Banana consumption should be moderated because it contains natural sugar; it is less but in excessive eating may negative impact.

Interestingly, it lowers your body temperature thus giving you cooling effects.

Banana fruit reduces risk of asthma. Many people suffer from asthma, you may one of them but take it easy, and banana fruit is suitable for your healthy complications. Children who consume a banana per day received more than 30% less chance according to study conducted by the Imperial College of London.

Optimum management of diabetes. Banana, as I have mentioned earlier, contains high fiber which lowers blood glucose thus helps type 1 diabetes. Not only that but also type 2 diabetics are safe because the fiber again enhance improved blood sugar and insulin level provided effectively.

Weight loss promoter. Fiber in banana is soluble and in turn makes absorption easier. Banana fruit doesn’t contain any fats. If you consume banana, it makes you feel like stomach being full, thus give no chance in eating another food in the process. It is natural way of doing away with unwanted and unnecessary fat from your body.

Healthy eyes. Banana has vitamin A, which we all know is important for protection of the eyes. The vitamin contains compounds that prevents the membrane of the protecting the eyes. Amazing health benefits indeed!

Banana juice.

As you witnessed the revelation, banana fruit is very helpful for your body health and don’t take chances, especially when the fruit is cheaply available across the entire planet. If it is your favorite food, keep on consuming it.

The health benefit it has obviously outweighs the negative aspect which is to be consumed moderately due to the presence of sugar.

I will be glad to know if there is something the fruit did to your healthy life. I hope this article is helpful to you. All the best and have healthy life.