Murang'a MCA's death exposes medical bills burden for households
Former nominated Murang'a MCA Mark Wainaina.
What you need to know:
- Mr Wainaina who hails from Kangema constituency was said to have suffered total collapse of his lungs.
- Governor Irungu Kang'ata had planned a fundraiser in Nairobi to help offset the MCA's medical bills.
Murang'a nominated MCA Mark Wainaina is dead, family sources confirmed on Wednesday, after a brief but costly hospitalisation that highlighted the medical bills burden households have to bear.
According to a statement by Eric Mwangi for the family, Mr Wainaina died at the Karen hospital where he was admitted last week with pulmonary complications.
Mr Wainaina who hails from Kangema constituency was said to have suffered total collapse of his lungs, necessitating specialised treatment.
"Our family member had exhausted the limit of his insurance cover. He was being attended by a technology that is exclusively available here in the country at the Karen hospital," the statement reads in part.
"Contrary to rumours online that our kin leaves behind a hospital bill of Sh40 million, the debt is much lower," Mr Mwangi said.
He revealed that Mr Wainaina's estimated admission period was about 60 days at a daily cost of Sh500,000 per day.
"He was admitted for about five days... plus other attached costs the bill was not as reported," he said.
A jocular Wainaina had on October 18, 2024 posted on his Facebook wall that "I once delivered a speech in school... where is said education is better than money... Money, please forgive me. I was young..."
His latest public statement was also a tribute following the death of the daughter of a colleague, Seth Nyakio, 23, who was found murdered in Thika town's Biafra Estate on October 14, 2024.
She was the daughter of Kirinyaga nominated MCA Ms Lucy Njeri.
On November 1, 2024 he posted a message that many keyboard warriors are having issues with.
"Imagine you calling me broke just because I can't buy you what you can't buy for yourself. We live in a crazy world.." He posted.
The message was interpreted by some online users a mockery for the poor.
A day before he was taken ill, Mr Wainaina shared a message that read: "The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age. Dear Lord, help me to count my age by friends, not years. Count my life by smiles, not tears. Happy birthday to me."
On Tuesday, Governor Irungu Kang'ata had announced plans to hold a fundraiser on Friday in Nairobi to help offset the MCA's medical bills.
"The Murang'a County Assembly members caucus invites you to a fundraising dinner in aid of one of our member... Mr Wainaina who has been diagnosed with a severe pulmonary disease that has caused both of his lungs to fail," Kang'ata said in his statement.
County Assembly members and staff had honoured a blood donation appeal to help Mr Wainaina overcome his illness.
Further, Kang'ata had revealed that he had negotiated for lenient billing terms as efforts were made to offset the astronomical bills.
County Assembly speaker Mr Johnson Mukuha on Wednesday mourned his member's demise.
"It is with profound sadness that we, as the Murang'a County Assembly, mourn the passing... Wainaina. He was not only a committed leader but also a friend and pillar of strength to many of us," Mukuha's statement reads in part.
He added that the deceased's unwavering dedication, boldness, and wisdom enriched the assembly and strengthened its performance and outreach.
"Hon Wainana's legacy as a problem-solver, a courageous voice, and a wise leader will forever be etched in our hearts. He served with integrity and tenacity, leaving an indelible mark on Murang’a County," Mr Mukuha said.
Mr Mukuha said the loss is deeply felt, and the county as a whole has thoughts and prayers with the bereaved family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
"May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may we honor his memory by continuing his mission of service to the people of Murang’a," Mr Mukuha said.
Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu said the death came as a shock "given that we were looking forward to responding to his hour of need by fundraising for his bill".
Mr Nyutu said "the county has lost a gallant son, a promising star and a reliable humane leader".
