Caleb Odanga, the seven-year-old boy who fell from a merry-go-round while on a school trip is dead.
Caleb, who was a grade one pupil at Greens Angel Academy died on Friday, September 1, after staying on a life support machine for three weeks.
Speaking to the media, Caleb’s parents, who are now left with a hospital bill of Ksh. 1.5 million, appealed to well-wishers for help as they start the burial preparations.
“Caleb is dead, is such an immense great for the family and we do not how we will cope from here,” said Mwangi Odanga, the father.
The mother, Caroline Maina said she has stayed at the Kenyatta University Teaching Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) ever since her son was admitted at the facility.
“I have been here since August 8. I have never gone home. It’s been hard because Caleb is my only child and I loved him so much,” said a tearful Caroline Maina.
Further, Mwangi said the family had been moving from one hospital to another seeking opinion from doctors.
“The cost of outsourcing even opinions have been so immense, factoring the costs from this facility, we are looking at a bill of 1.5 million,” said Mwangi.
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Doctors’ Advice on Caleb Odanga
Following the accident which occurred at Destiny Gardens in Ruiru, Caleb suffered a traumatic brain injury and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at KUTRRH.
According to reports, doctors at KUTRRH explained to the family that Odanga had no realistic chances of recovering.
Further, the doctors explained that no medical intervention would reverse the situation, adding that the family should allow them to end his life.
“If I sign that (form), it means I am sending my son to the grave,” said Mwangi.
“It is our conviction that there is still hope and we are appealing we get an expert because we can’t sign a form that our son is no more,” Mwangi earlier expressed hope that Caleba Odanga would pull through the comatose state.
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Teachers summoned over pupil’s fall
Previously, police summoned six teachers at the Green Angels Academy in the Githurai and recorded statements regarding the accident.
Police in Ruiru sub-county said they are investigating a case of negligence on either of the parties.
Additionally, the detectives visited the scene of the incident and interrogated the management and staff at Destiny Gardens on the safety of their equipment and support team.
The Accident
Caleb Odanga fell off the swing on a school trip to Destiny Gardens in Kiambu’s Ruiru area.
The school director, Hilda Mwangi, clarified the incident stating that they were following up after taking Caleb to the hospital.
However, the school management claimed that the family turned hostile.
On the other hand, the management of Destiny Gardens explained that the merry-go-round swing was in good condition and all the safety measures were followed.