Garissa: Sorrow as Pregnant Woman Dies in Food Distribution Stampede
- Khadija Ali had gone to collect her daily food rations when she lost her life in a food distribution stampede
- The pregnant woman was rushed to the hospital as the medics tried to save her and her unborn child's lives
- However, the Garissa woman was pronounced dead within minutes, leaving her family in unprecedented pain
A family in Dadaab, Garissa county, is living in agony after the untimely and painful loss of a loved one.
Source: Youtube
Khadija Ali met her fate during a food distribution stampede that also claimed the life of her unborn child.
She had gone to collect her monthly food ration for her family, but she was overpowered and knocked down in the chaos.
According to police reports, the injured pregnant woman was rushed to the hospital to receive emergency treatment.
Khadija's husband recounts last moment with her
She was unconscious and was placed on oxygen support as doctors tried to save her and her unborn child's lives.
However, despite the efforts by the medics to keep her and the unborn baby alive, Khadija was pronounced dead within minutes.
Her husband spoke highly of her, as he grieved the loss of his lifelong partner, whom he loved very much, recounting his last moment with her.
"She took care of household duties and left to collect her ration. She has left behind small children, the youngest being less than two years old. It is a painful loss," Hussein Kalmole, Khadija's hubby, heartbreakingly said.
Garissa women rep speaks after Khadija's death
Amina Udgoon Siyad, Garissa women representative, together with human rights groups, raised concerns over the death of Khadija.
Both parties agreed that the fate could have been prevented was it not for poor planning and inadequate crowd control.
"It is unacceptable that in the pursuit of basic sustenance, lives are being put at risk. No human being, let alone a pregnant mother, should lose her life in a setting meant to provide relief and refuge," Amina authoritatively said.
Abdikharim Shuri, an activist, expressed his frustration, saying the same people advocating for safeguarding policies could not uphold the policies themselves.
He called for more keenness and care when dealing with the less fortunate, expectant mothers, the elderly and people with disabilities.
Garissa human activist speaks after pregnant woman's death
Activist Fatuma Bathi noted Khadija's death report would have been swept under the carpet had there not been a follow-up.
"This case was not reported and it is very unfortunate especially for our international orgnisations based in Dadaab because how many cases like this are not reported?" she angrily asked.
The human rights groups demanded accountability for the tragic incident that left the deceased's household in emotional pain.
Many refugees hoped the conversation would lead to meaningful changes.
Source: Youtube
Trans Nzoia woman dies during delivery
In a separate incident, a woman in Trans Nzoia died during delivery amid alleged medical negligence.
Ashley Auoch unfortunately died at Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital after a stillbirth.
Aluoch's grieving family alleged their kin was left unattended for over a day and lacked timely access to a blood transfusion.
County health officials, however, rebuffed the family's claims, saying the deceased was attended to by a team of medics.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
