For 20 years, Ibrahim Mungai, 52, had been confined to his bed, unable to
walk. His story has, however, changed following a successful medical intervention.
The tragedy struck in 2004, when tuberculosis of the spine left him bedridden.
For over two decades, in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, he faced the immense challenges
of immobility and the secondary health issues that followed.
In July 2025, his journey took a critical turn when he was referred to
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
He arrived fighting for his life with severe pressure sores, a rampant
Urinary Tract Infection and failing kidneys.
The situation became so dire that he fell into a deep, three-day coma.
The KNH medical team swung into action, and after six intensive dialysis
sessions, a miracle happened: Ibrahim woke up.
He then bravely underwent a two-hour surgery on August 4, 2025, to address a
serious scrotal infection and began the long road to recovery.
A dedicated team of wound care nurses, physiotherapists, counsellors and nutritionists
worked with him for three months to heal not just his body, but his spirit.
The results? Nothing short of amazing. After more than twenty years, Ibrahim
can now sit up on his own, move independently in a wheelchair and stand on his
own two feet
He is now actively and joyfully working to walk again.
"I have gotten a positive overview about life. I want to go back to my
community and continue with my cobbler business,” he said.
The team that helped Ibrahim recover was comprised of doctors Benjamin
Wambugu (HoD-Renal), Jendeka Indiazi, Hussein Anwar and Nicole Akinyi (Internal
Medicine).
Additionally, there was the nursing team led by Anne Nyambura (In-charge,
Ward GFC), Collins Otieno, Ali Kapusia, Felix Angote, Annrita Mbae, Mercy
Okoyo, Amina Apato and the entire GFC team.
Celebrating the milestone, KNH reiterated that it is committed to more than
health.
“At KNH, we are committed to more than health; we are dedicated to restoring
the dignity and quality of life for every patient. Ibrahim’s story is a powerful
testament to that promise,” KNH stated.
Understanding
tuberculosis of the spine
Also known as Pott’s disease, tuberculosis of the spine is a
rare but serious form of extrapulmonary TB that affects the vertebrae.
It’s caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the same bacterium
responsible for pulmonary TB, but it spreads to the spine through the
bloodstream or lymphatic system.
According to Cleveland Clinic, the condition may result
in chronic back pain and muscle weakness in the arms and legs. It can lead to a
curved spine or damaged vertebrae.
If left untreated, Pott’s disease
can damage the bones in the spine. The bacteria create inflammation (swelling) and
pus-filled pockets (abscesses) in the spinal
column.
The swelling and abscesses press
against the bones in the spine, which weakens and damages them. Vertebrae can break and collapse, which
makes the spine unstable.
This leads to kyphosis, or a curved spine,
that makes it look like the patient is hunched over.
Pott’s disease can also lead to complications, including difficulty moving or walking, nerve compression (weakness, numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control), paralysis and infection spreads to other parts of the body (brain and kidneys).
