By James Munyeki

Plans are underway for the construction of a multi-million shilling accident and emergency medical unit at the Nyahururu District Hospital in memory of Olympic Marathon Champion Samuel Wanjiru.

The medical facility is set to cost about Sh200 million on completion and will have a resuscitation area, trauma unit, and a Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care. The board chairman George Mwangi told a stakeholders' forum at Nyahururu Thompson Falls lodge that memories of the athletic were still fresh in the minds of many hence the need to put up the facility in keeping his memory for generations to come.

Steering committee

"Wanjiru passed on at the peak of his career and it should be noted that he died as doctors made frantic effort to resuscitate him. Had we had such a facility probably his life could have been saved," he said.

He told the forum that Nyahururu hospital Health Management Committee has contributed Sh1 million to start off the project. Wanjiru's wife Trizah Njeri and his manager Federico Rosa were conspicuously absent from the meeting but Wanjiru's family lawyer, Ndegwa Wahome assured the forum that they were in support of the project.

Addressing the forum, Ndegwa said Wanjiru brought honour to Nyahururu and the country at large and his brand should be used to benefit Nyahururu community by ensuring they get proper emergency treatment. Nyandarua County Works Officer, Oliver Wasike unveiled a plan and an artistic impression of the finished unit which he said would cost approximately Sh200 million.

He noted that the cost is inclusive of all materials and labour work, landscaping and purchasing of medical equipment. The project steering committee will comprise athletes Charles Kamathi and Catherine Ndereba, Wanjiru's wife Trizah Njeri, Laikipia University College Principal, Prof Francis Lelo and Pharmacist Ndegwa wa Njenga.

Others will be businessman Ndegwa Muruthi, MPs Nderitu Mureithi (Laikipia West), Jeremiah Kioni (Ndaragwa) and Erastus Mureithi (Ol-Kalou, Saint Martin Catholic Social Apostolate and the Centre for Conflict Resolution, NGOs, local bank managers and representatives from all mainstream churches.