Doctors on Thursday successfully removed a knife lodged in the cheek of a Wajir woman allegedly stabbed by her husband in a domestic fight.
Five specialists at the Kenyatta National Hospital, led by Edwin Rono, took an hour to remove the knife that left a three-inch wound in Fatuma Ibrahim’s cheek.
She can now speak, Rono said.
Fatuma is a mother of four children and is aged 32.
KNH boss Lilly Koross said Fatuma’s case sparked fury against domestic violence on social media.
Fatuma arrived at the hospital on Thursday evening.
She was airlifted by Amref from Wajir District Hospital.
“She was assessed by specialists to determine the extent of the injuries,” Koross said.
Rono said though Fatuma is recuperating well, she would be monitored for five days.
“We have handled similar cases before and I want to assure all Kenyans she will be back to normal,” he said.
Rono said Fatuma sustained multiple stab wounds on her feet, abdomen, chest and face.
All her injuries were treated.
She was attacked by husband Mohamed Deeq over a family dispute.
Deeq’s brother attempted to stop the fight and confiscated knives before heading out to call the police.
However, Deeq took a dagger and stabbed Fatuma.
The hospital management said Fatuma will receive counselling as well.
“We shall discuss how to settle the bills with relevant stakeholders,” Koross said.
Deeq was yesterday charged with causing grievous bodily harm in a Wajir court.
Appearing before resident magistrate Bildad Rongocho, Deeq denied the charges.
He will be remanded in the cells until January 13, when the case will be mentioned.
Deeq said he was trying to save Fatuma, because wanted to commit suicide.
Prosecutor Meroka Riech requested for time to await the medical report.
Deeq, who hails from Wajir East, looked composed.
He was brought into a packed court that mostly comprised women and human rights activists.
The story went viral on social media, with many people calling for justice for Fatuma and a maximum sentence for her attacker.
An X-ray showed the knife went through her left cheek and came out through the right.