By Betty Luke
A family in Isiolo has appealed for assistance from well-wishers to enable their eight-year-old get specialised treatment for a rare mental condition.
The boy (name withheld) has in the last one year been wandering away from their home in Safi Estate area and exhibited truancy.
The sixth born in a family of seven has also been physically aggressive, verbally abusive and unable to relate with anyone including other children.
He has on several occasions slept in police cells and public areas posing risk to his safety.
A recent mental assessment at Isiolo Referral Hospital in mid-February showed that the boy had selective mutism but good orientation to time, place and person.
The consultant psychiatrist Dr L.N Nyamute recommended a provisional diagnosis of what he termed as deficit hyperactive and oppositional defiant disorders with comorbid.
The boy was consequently referred for care management plan and further assessment at Kenyatta National Hospital.
“The patient was calm and not aggressive but looks irritable and angry,” the February 15 medical report read in part.
The mother Rukia Juma says she is not a position to raise the needed money for the son to access treatment.
She has on several occasions been at loggerheads with police and local chief over claims that she was not taking care of the son.
The sister reveals that neighbours initially thought he was being beaten at home forcing him to run away until it was discovered he had a rare condition.
“I am appealing to well-wishers, leaders and anyone capable to help me take him to hospital,” she appealed.
Any support can be channeled to the mother via 0714 75 12 07.
