Photos of Human Rights Activist Boniface Mwangi with bandages have been trending on social media sparking speculation about his safety ahead of the planned #nanenanemarch.
In the photos, Mwangi is seen lying on a hospital bed with a swollen face and his nose wrapped with bandages.
However, a reverse search by The Kenya Times reveals that the photos were first posted by Boniface Mwangi on his Facebook page on November 7, 2015.
This was after the Activist underwent a nose surgery to correct his snoring disorder. In the post, Mwangi explained that he used to snore so badly that his wife would go and sleep in the kids’ bedroom.
Mwangi said the snoring started in 2013 and in August the same year, his wife Hellen Njeri Mwangi, pushed him to see a doctor.
“Contrary to what most people think, l discovered that heavy snoring is not normal. The noise that had caused so much trouble was due to my left nostril being completely shut. The doctor speculated that I had been hit (most likely at a protest) and had been breathing from only my right nostril and mouth ever since,” he wrote.
On October 26, he underwent the surgery to open up his nose, remove tonsils and adenoids where he was told he had Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP).
This is a surgical procedure or sleep surgery used to remove tissue and/or remodel tissue in the throat.
He explained that he went into theatre at 4pm and left at 8pm, four hours later. The procedure went very well but when he finally woke up in the recovery ward, he couldn’t breathe.
“My throat was swollen, and I was unable to speak. My nostrils had been sealed post-operation to stop the bleeding, something I had been told would happen but couldn’t remember in that moment,” he said.
“I spent that first night in the hospital crying, afraid that l would forget to breathe and die. My wife spent the entire night holding my hand. Nurse Celestine was incredibly helpful (Thank you!).”
Also Read: Boniface Mwangi’s Wife Breaks Silence After his Disappearance Online
Boniface Mwangi Advise
Mwangi said he stayed for ten days without speaking or eating anything. Afterwards, he started eating soft food and speaking a little bit.
He also revealed that he had lost weight, and it was going to take a few more weeks before he gets back to his usual self.
“l was forced into silence. And surprisingly, I enjoyed the silence. I had long discussions with myself. Try silence some time and take a journey into discovering yourself, the real you, without any distractions. You will be amazed,” Mwangi wrote.
The Activist thanked doctor Macharia for leading and conducting the surgery adding that the decision allowed him to know a part of himself that he didn’t know existed.
“My wife is happier and I’m not snoring anymore. I thank God for a second chance at life; many people go to theatre and never come out. I did, and I’m happy to be alive to post this,” he said.
Also Read: Mixed Reactions as Boniface Mwangi Deactivates Social Media Account, Shares Cryptic Message
Mwangi also advised Kenyans who can afford medical cover to go have them. He said basic medical covers ranged from a few thousand shillings to tens of thousands but are very important.
He revealed that his bill was over Ksh500,000 and his insurance provider paid the bill.
“As someone who has been admitted thrice in hospital in the last five years, medical covers are money and lifesavers. I know not many of us can afford them and that’s why we have to push for free medical care for the less privileged. It’s doable if we prioritize,” he said.
Therefore, the images shared recently of the activist do not represent his current state but a past health experience.
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