This archive report was first published on 8 July 2019.
Ken Okoth, the Kibra Member of Parliament, has made a triumphant return to Kenya after a five-month battle with advanced colorectal cancer in Europe.
Okoth, 41, had been diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer earlier this year and had been undergoing treatment in Europe since then.
“I am dealing with my condition. Chemo drugs are brutal on the skin and immunity system,” Okoth tweeted in response to a question about his health.
On Sunday, Okoth made his first public appearance in Nairobi since returning to the country, attending the annual Kibra Music Festival at Moi Girls School, Nairobi, alongside Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja.
“Joined my brother Ken Okoth and the people of Kibra for an exciting Music Festival earlier today. Welcome back home bro and thanks for the amazing job you and your team have been doing. Your strength and your determination inspires us all,” Sakaja said on social media.
The festival, which has been running for 11 years, attracts learners from early childhood development to secondary schools and awards winners with cash prizes, trophies, and certificates.
Okoth had been experiencing symptoms of ulcers and bacterial infections for over a year before his diagnosis, and had even been given medication to manage stress.
However, by the time his doctors ordered advanced scans, the disease was already in stage four.
Okoth has since been active in keeping Kenyans updated on his health progress.
Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer and colon cancer, is the development of cancer from the colon or rectum and its symptoms depend on the size and location of the condition.
Some common symptoms include changes in bowel habits, changes in stool consistency, blood in the stool, and abdominal discomfort.
