A family from barabara ya mchanga in Ujamaa village, Likoni sub-county is appealing for financial assistance to secure the release of their daughter, who is allegedly detained at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital over a Sh150,000 bill.

9-year-old Olivia Kerubo, a grade 4 pupil at The Sanctuary of Praise Academy, had, on October 4th this year accidentally swallowed a sewing needle during a home science lesson.

According Evelyn Moraa, mother to the minor, Kerubo was rushed to Likoni sub-county hospital before she was transferred to the Coast General Hospital, where she was treated but the needle could not be removed and was discharged the following day.

Moraa said they were forced to return home with the needle still lodged in her daughter's throat.

Two days later, Kerubo's situation became serious, and she was taken back to the same facility.

One week after the incident, the needle was still lodged in Kerubo's body.

On October 14th, a surgery was conducted to have the needle removed, but it was not successful.

The student's health condition continued to deteriorate and was placed under the intensive care unit (ICU].

On October 15th, another surgery was conducted on her for the fourth time, and this time, the needle was successfully removed.

She was later discharged, but the family has not been able to pay the medical bill of ksh.150,000.

Meanwhile, residents are sympathizing with the family, which they say come from a poor background.

They expressed concern calling on elected leaders to intervene and help the child go back to school.

Moraa who does hawking, says the bill was so huge that she and her jobless husband could not be able to raise. She is now appealing to the government and well-wishers to come to their help to enable their daughter join others in school.

Written By: Peter Maseke.