NAIROBI, May 4 – “I need support from well wishers or government so that I can come out of here. It’s not my wish to be in this state, anyone who will come to my aid I will appreciate because the condition here is unbearable.”
That is not a beggar in the streets but Kenya’s pioneering Olympics female boxer Elizabeth Andiego who is detained at Nairobi’s Kenyatta National Hospital after failing to raise Sh60, 000 (USD632.2) hospital bill after being discharged last week.
The mother of one who represented the country at the 2012 Summer and at last year’s Commonwealth Games was admitted a fortnight ago after a hit and run accident along Kangundo Road.
“I was discharged on Wednesday last week but I’m still in hospital because I can’t afford to pay my bill, they have even taken my bed away so I’m sleeping on the floor.
“I’m calling on well wishers to help me financially through the pay bill number 901607 so that I can be back on my feet; I will be going for dressing after two days and all that needs money,” Andiego who is the first Kenyan female boxer to trade blows in the Summer Games told Capital Sport on Monday.
Boxing Association of Kenya chairman (BAK) John Kameta revealed they are in the process of collecting money from the boxing fraternity to bail her out by Wednesday.
“I personally went to visit her in hospital two days after she was admitted and as boxing family we will meet today (Monday) and to see how we will get her out of hospital soon and I’m optimistic in two days time she will be in her home.
“I got the information from the brother on Saturday that she had been discharged but they did not have money but we could do nothing at the moment because it was on a short notice but I have called friends to contribute for us to help our daughter because I know she is very traumatized,” he told.
The BAK boss called on National Olympic Committee – Kenya to also chip in since Andiego not only represented the federation but the country too under their banner.
“In boxing we survive from hand to mouth the federation doest have money and that’s why I urge NOC-K to extend the insurance cover when the boxers are out of competition; it will help cover such incidents when they occur.”
After undergoing successful operation on her left leg, Andiego could take up to seven months to get back on her feet as she hopes to compete in 2016 Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“The wound is healing I’m just exercising with clutches and I’m relieved the doctor said I will be okay after the seven months when the metal plates will be removed,” Andiego who comes from a humble background said.
