A family at Magumu village in Gatundu North, Kiambu county is crying for help to treat severe jigger infestation.
Bearing the brunt is Clement Kinyanjui, a man who has been incapacitated from going about his daily economic activities as the fleas have attacked his hands and legs making him unable to walk or use his hands.
His parents Edward Mburu and Magdaline Wanjiru, decried that their family has known no peace for months now due to the jiggers infestation.
They said Kinyanjui can only limp around their homestead as the parasites have not only been causing him excruciating pain, irritation and restlessness but have also affected his health.
Speaking to journalists at their home, the family said the menace begun about two years ago when Kinyanjui returned home from Thika where he was working as a driver.
“He used to work as a matatu driver along Garissa Road and would ferry people from Thika to Ukambani. He returned home one day and burned his driving license and started living with us. After some time, he became dirty and would stay for days without taking a bath and that is when we realised that all was not well,” Mburu said.
He said they have tried all they can to help their son in vain.
Quite often, Mburu said well-wishers donate to them medication to reduce irritation of the jiggers but are unable to get rid of them.
The situation becomes worse during sunny weather as the fleas reproduce and spread more sparing no one in the family.
As a result, Kinjanyui is no longer able to go about his economic activities.
Kinyanjui’s walking style has changed as he now hobbles due to aggravated inflammation, swollen limbs, ulceration among other ailments.
His mother Wanjiru said they have been trying to eliminate the parasites using vehicle oil but the intervention has only been serving as a temporal solution to the menace.
“My son has suffered both physical and psychological pain. He was well when he returned home about two years ago but his health has continued to deteriorate by the day,” Wanjiru told journalists.
Kinyanjui is among tens of other people from Magumu and Gwa Kimori village who are grappling with a similar problem that has continued to deny them peace.
The family called on local leaders to help provide them a lasting solutions to the menace and urged well-wishers to help them eradicate the problem and avert more health complications among residents.
