Former Kenyan marathoner Beatrice Murugi is recovering at Kenyatta National Hospital after undergoing surgery to remove a large mass that had affected her mobility and brought her running career to a standstill.
Murugi’s plight came to public attention after her story was highlighted by Citizen TV, prompting Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira to intervene and facilitate her admission and treatment at the hospital.
Speaking during a visit to Murugi, Wachira said she was admitted within days after her case was brought to his attention, with the Nyeri County Government providing an ambulance to transport her to Nairobi.
Doctors subsequently performed surgery to remove the mass, which had developed in her womb and made it difficult for the former athlete to walk.
“She has very high spirits. She is recovering very well,” Wachira said, adding that Murugi is expected to be discharged within the next week.
According to Dr Wycliffe Akikuvi Musalia, who led Murugi’s medical team, the athlete underwent surgery about a week ago after doctors identified a large mass arising from her womb.
Dr Musalia said Murugi has responded well to treatment and received seven units of blood during her medical care. She is now stable and being prepared for discharge.
With her health improving, Murugi is already looking beyond her recovery, hoping to rebuild her strength and return to competitive athletics.
The former marathoner has set her sights on the 2029 World Athletics Championships, which Kenya is scheduled to host, as she seeks to revive her sporting ambitions.
Her journey back to athletics will, however, depend on her recovery and her ability to regain the physical strength required for elite competition.
Meanwhile, Kenyatta National Hospital has revealed plans to establish a sports medicine hub that could offer specialised care to athletes and patients recovering from sports-related injuries and other conditions affecting their ability to compete.
For Murugi, the immediate priority remains recovery. But after overcoming a major health setback, the former marathoner is hopeful that her latest chapter will eventually lead her back to the track.
