This archive report was first published on 29 November 2019.
On September 1, a Kenyan bodybuilder, Ronny Rono, was featured in a local newspaper, appealing for help to tackle the various conditions that came with synthol injections.
Despite his initial denial of using the injections, Rono's body showed signs of the typical aftermath, with his arms wasting away and his upper body severely swollen.
Doctors diagnosed him with symptoms of a man who had resorted to synthol injections, which can lead to muscle disfigurement, ulcers, and fibrosis if used consistently.
Before his passing, Rono said he could not recall using the injections, although he admitted to being a heavy alcohol user during his bodybuilding days and someone might have injected him without his knowledge.
He also suffered from mental anguish, unable to look in the mirror without breaking down in tears.
Rono's family spokesperson, Hilda Chepkemoi, confirmed his death, stating that he had been in and out of hospital since his story first went public.
She added that Rono was being attended by a private doctor in Kericho town until his demise.
One of the most popular cases of synthol injections involved Russian bodybuilder Kirill Tereshin, who injected petroleum jelly in his arms, resulting in a Popeye-like appearance.
However, Tereshin's case took a turn for the worse, with complications arising from the injections.
