The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) announced the successful completion of a groundbreaking nine-hour craniofacial reconstruction surgery on seven-year-old Ian Baraka, a young boy who suffered devastating injuries during a bandit attack in 2023.
The procedure, conducted on Thursday, September 25, 2025, by a multidisciplinary team from KNH and the University of Nairobi (UoN), is being hailed as the first of its kind in the world, placing Kenya at the forefront of advanced surgical innovation.
The highly complex operation restored both form and function to Ian’s face, which had been disfigured after a stray bullet tore through his jaw and eye during the December 23, 2023 attack at the Isiolo-Meru border.
KNH issues update
Ian is currently recovering in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under close observation.
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KNH Ag. Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, hailed the achievement as a beacon of hope.
“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,” he said.
The historic operation was spearheaded by Prof. Symon Guthua (Lead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon), Dr. Margaret Mwasha (Lead Prosthodontist), and Dr. Andrew Okiriamu (Maxillofacial Surgeon).
Dr. Branice Munyasa on why she ran marathons to raise funds
Also, among the celebrated team of specialists was Dr. Branice Munyasa, a maxillofacial surgery resident whose personal sacrifice captured national attention. Deeply moved by Ian’s case, Dr. Munyasa swapped her surgical scrubs for running gear, completing two full marathons to raise funds for the boy’s surgery.
Over the years, she has built a strong professional portfolio with a focus on Dental Surgery, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Invisalign treatment, among other areas.
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Speaking in a past interview with Nation, Dr. Munyasa admitted she once believed marathons were reserved for elite athletes like Eliud Kipchoge. But when she joined a running club, she realized running was not just about medals—it was about endurance, purpose, and community. That same spirit of perseverance fueled her fundraising campaign for Ian.
“When I heard his story, I knew I had to do something. Running was my way of helping ease his burden. Every step I took was for Ian,” she told Nation in a past interview before the surgery.
Her efforts helped mobilize donations that went towards the surgery. After the recognition by KNH on Thursday, Dr. Munyasa expressed her joy and gratitude.
“Yesterday the entire village assembled to make history here in our motherland. Ian finally had his groundbreaking surgery done, led by a very talented and skilled team. We pray he gets back to his feet soonest so that he can see his new face. Thank you to everyone who supported him get this surgery. Thank you KNH,” she said.
Profile
The doctor is a highly experienced dental professional and the founder and owner of Nextcare Dental Studio, located in Thindigua.
Dr. Munyasa is also a certified Invisalign Provider and currently serves as a resident dentist at the facility, a position she has held since September 2020, marking over 5 years of continuous practice.
She holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from UoN, a qualification that laid a strong foundation for her professional journey in dentistry.
Before founding Nextcare Dental Studio, she served in various capacities across leading healthcare institutions. From November 2019 to September 2020, she worked as a Dental Surgeon at Aga Khan University Hospital, where she specialized in Dental Surgery and Cosmetic Dentistry.
Prior to that, she was a resident dentist at Vimak Dental Centre (from January 2019 to November 2019. Her career began with an internship at St. Mary’s Mission Hospital, Lang’ata, where she worked as a dental intern between July and August 2016.
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