Kenyatta National Hospital has successfully
conducted the first facial reconstruction surgery on a boy disfigured during a bandit
attack.
The nine-hour reconstructive surgery to
restore the face of the young boy disfigured during a bandit attack in 2023 was
performed on Thursday, September 25, 2025, by a multidisciplinary team of KNH
and University of Nairobi (UoN) specialists.
The highly complex craniofacial procedure marks
a global surgical milestone and places Kenya at the forefront of advanced
medical innovation.
The surgery involved complex facial
reconstruction to restore function and appearance, making it the first
procedure of its kind worldwide.
The acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Richard
Lesiyampe, commended the surgical team for their remarkable expertise,
dedication, and courage.
“This milestone demonstrates not only our
surgeons’ skill and determination, but also Kenya’s rising leadership in
specialized healthcare. It is a message of hope to patients across Africa and
beyond,” said Dr. Lesiyampe.
The patient, 7-year-old Ian Baraka, is
currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and remains under close
medical care.
Ian sustained severe facial injuries on
December 23, 2023, at the Isiolo-Meru border when armed bandits attacked
villagers, and a stray bullet struck him in the face. Since then, he has
undergone extensive treatment and rehabilitation for injuries to his eyes and
lower jaw.
The pioneering procedure was performed by a
dedicated multidisciplinary team led by Prof. Symon Guthua (Lead Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgeon), Dr. Margaret Mwasha (Lead Consultant Prosthodontist),
and Dr. Andrew Okiriamu (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon).
Special thanks also go out to Dr Branice
Munyasha, a resident student, Maxillofacial Surgery, who ran two marathons to
raise funds for Ian's procedure.
The hospital leadership has promised to continue to share updates on Ian’s recovery in due course, while respecting the privacy and well-being of his family.
