Nyeri Woman Confirms Death of Evangelist Husband Sylvester Karanja Who Had Face Swellings
- Evangelist Sylvester Karanja, a well-known preacher from Nyeri, has passed away after a long battle with a rare skin condition, fibromatosis
- His wife, Emily Wairimu, shared their decades-long love story, which endured harsh judgment and health challenges
- Despite Karanja's visible facial swellings, Emily chose love over societal standards and stood by him unwaveringly
- Karanja developed the condition at 25 years old, transitioning from a healthy life with flawless skin to living with growing tumours
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A Nyeri woman has confirmed the death of her evangelist husband, popularly known as Sylvester Karanja and opened up on their heartwarming love story, which transcended decades of health challenges and harsh judgements from the society.
Source: Youtube
Evangelist Sylvester, a renowned preacher, had been living with enormous face swellings that began growing on his skin when he was about 25 years old.
A love story like no other
His wife Emily Wairimu confirmed that he succumbed a few days ago, after a protracted battle with the skin condition; he breathed his last while at the hospital where he had been rushed to receive treatment.
The couple have been together for decades, and when she first fell in love with him, Emily recounted being questioned whether she wanted to spend the rest of her life with a man who had swellings on his body.
"When I was about to get married to him, some family members asked me why I had chosen him and what I had seen in him. I just told them that I loved him so much and he was the one I wanted as my husband," she told Mumbi TV.
Emily said not once in their decades-long marriage did she ever disrespect her husband or maltreat him due to the swellings that had covered his face and body.
"My husband loved taking me on trips, and whenever we went out, people would stare. At one time on the streets, someone called him a ghost; some other kids feared him. But he did not ever take it personally. He had a heart of loving people, and so by smiling and talking to them, they would stop staring and come to greet us," she narrated.
The couple went viral when they did an interview with Kameme TV, and many were moved by their love story.
"I will miss him so much. He was a loving man who spoiled me with gifts and never wanted to see me sad about anything. He was the perfect husband," she said, adding they were blessed with several kids.
Which condition did Sylvester Karanja suffer from?
The widow narrated that her husband's condition started when he was just a 25-year-old young man.
"Before that, he lived a healthy life and had flawless skin. He had sought treatment from India when the swellings grew prominently all over his body. His condition was fibromatosis f1," she explained.
When his condition deteriorated, they went to a doctor who found that his nerves were being affected by the disease since the tumours were growing internally.
"The swellings were increasing by day, and he was also nearly losing his sight. He started chemo to deal with the tumours, but he died a few days ago while we were still at the hospital premises," she narrated.
The family is now seeking help with Karanja's burial plans, saying they spent a significant amount of money on his treatment.
"Nobody keeps aside some money, saying it is for burial. We wanted him to get better, and we had spent so much on his treatment. Any well-wishers who can help us with the burial expenses are welcome," she said.
Kenyans console Sylvester Karanja's widow
Many joined in mourning the evangelist and in consoling his widow. Here are some of the comments:
Grace Wambui said:
"She is a blessed woman, and she stood by her husband."
@sallygreg2185 said:
"He used to say he is fearfully and wonderfully made, which was very true. His voice was amazing…may his soul rest in peace. Pole to the family."
@carolnyambura said
"He had a very big heart...ever smiling and was a good musician. May he sleep in peace."
@JoyceKamau-j1p said:
"My condolences to the family of evangelist Silvester...May God strengthen you."
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Murang'a family mourns kin
In other news, TUKO.co.ke also recently reported about a Murang'a family who is mourning their kin who perished in a road accident.
Patrick Wachira passed on just a year after his wife's death during childbirth.
Emotional condolences trailed the news of his death, with many sympathising with his daughter.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
