Jubilee party secretary-general Raphael Tuju has made his first public appearance following the February 12th road accident that almost claimed his life. Tuju’s car collided head-on with a public service vehicle along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway as he traveled to Kabarak for the burial of the late former president Daniel Arap Moi.
Tuju on Thursday addressed journalists at Karen Hospital in Nairobi, where he described his survival in the accident as a miracle from God.
“I have had a very tough experience with a lot of pain,” said Tuju.
He said that he suffered severe rib injuries and his lungs collapsed forcing medics at Karen Hospital to put him on life support.
“Those lungs collapsed because of the rib injury and the doctors had to make the life and death decision as to when to remove the life support system so that I could go for the specialized treatment in London,” he noted as he thanked doctors at the facility for saving his life.
“I thank you for the great work you did to save my life.”
After the accident, Tuju was first rushed to Kijabe Mission Hospital and later airlifted to Karen Hospital where he was admitted to the ICU for one week before being flown to the UK for advanced treatment. He returned to the country last weekend after spending two weeks in a London hospital.
He says he suffered 13 broken ribs, which in turn injured his intestines causing him internal bleeding. In addition, he says he sustained multiple head injuries and had to undergo a vertebrae surgery to protect his spine.
“I had multiple injuries; 13 broken ribs and there is nothing you can do about it apart from having to wait. But the pain of those fractures was excruciating. I have a few enemies in this country and around the world and I cannot wish them the kind of pain I have received,” said Tuju.
“And then the critical one was the vertebrae operation to protect my spinal cord and of course head injuries. So to come out of that is a miracle from God. I thank the many Kenyans who sent words of encouragement.”
“This is the third day I have been able to walk without support. I only need the crutches on the stairs,” he said.
“…the muscles are becoming stronger, my faith is strong and I look forward to joining Kenyans in building this wonderful country.”
