This archive report was first published on 25 August 2019.
Published on August 25, 2019, a Kenyan acid attack survivor, Dan Matakayia, is set to undergo a special surgery in the United States. The operation, scheduled to take place at the Alessi Institute for Facial Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California, aims to improve his facial appearance.
Alessi Institute has generously offered to perform the surgery for free. Additionally, Face Forward International, a California-based organization that provides emotional support to victims of domestic violence, will cover the costs of Matakayia's trip and stay in the US during the surgery.
According to Matakayia, 'God answered my prayers and we are finally leaving for the States as earlier planned.'
On September 21st, 2013, Matakayia, a former police officer, was brutally attacked with acid by his wife. The incident left him with severe facial burns, blindness, and a deformed face. Neighbors who heard his screams rushed him to the hospital for treatment.
Despite the trauma, Matakayia has shown remarkable resilience. In a past interview, he narrated the events of that fateful night: 'Two minutes after going to bed, my wife poured sulfuric acid on my face. I stepped out of bed only to be electrocuted.'
After the attack, Matakayia forgave his wife and let her go. He has since been on a journey of healing and recovery.
