Journalist who moved the nation with his appeal succumbs to cancer

janet ndila

July 28, 2018 11:16 AM

Journalist had been detained in India without treatment after failing to raise millions

The media fraternity is in mourning following the death of journalist Dennis Omondi who lost the battle against cancer yesterday.

The West Media photojournalist breathed his last at Kenyatta National Hospital on Friday afternoon where he was admitted after he developed complications upon returning from India where he had gone for treatment.

Early this year, Omondi was admitted at Apollo hospital in India where he was detained for 4 weeks without treatment as he could not raise Sh. 6.5 million needed.

"My state of health is deteriorating. I am appealing for help from all Kenyans so that I can continue with my medication. I am admitted at a hospital with all the facilities I need but I can only be treated if I have [at least] Sh6.5 million.

"For more than three weeks, the hospital has abandoned me. I have to pay a debt of Sh1.5 million and another Sh6.5 million to resume medication. Please hear my appeal and come to my aid." Omondi said in his appeal.

Kenyans responded to his heart-moving appeal and raised the funds to facilitate his bone-marrow transplant and two steps of chemotherapy to control the condition.

He however failed to find a bone-marrow donor after tests conducted on his brothers confirmed that they were not matches.

The father of two flew back into the country in June after failing to secure a donor for the crucial operation.

janet ndila