Celebrated Kenyan Author Binyavanga Wainaina Suffers Stroke, He Can’t Speak and Is Bedridden Awaiting Special Medical Attention In India

Award winning author Binyavanga Wainaina is in critical health condition after suffering from stroke on 31st October this year.

The celebrated author suffered the stroke while at his home. He was admitted to Karen Hospital ICU and after medicinal treatment and specialized speech therapy, he was discharged on 6th November.

Later on 13th November, he developed further physical problems as a result of the stroke and was admitted to the ICU in Nairobi hospital until he stabilized before being moved to the general ward. He has been diagnosed with a chronic condition which affects the blood vessels to the brain making him susceptible to blockages and strokes.

He now needs extensive therapy beyond first stage treatment and after consultation it has been agreed take him to Banglore, India for specialized care. The treatment costs are estimated at $25,000 needed urgently and a further $20,000 in a months time.

Friends and family are looking to well wishers to help them raise the amount and Kwani? a literal journal he helped found targets to raise KES 1 million through ,M-Changa. For contribution accounts and details to help visit Kwani Trust [email protected]

Friends and partners in Nigeria are also organizing a fundraising that will feature several sales of works of art. The Ake Arts and Book Festival has organized an event happening tomorrow at the Freedom Park in Lagos Nigeria while Nigerians rally under the hashtag #Naija4Binyavanga.

Binyavanga won the Caine Prize in July 2002 for his short story “Discovering Home”. He is the founding editor of Kwani?, the first literary magazine in East Africa. He published his first novel, One Day I Will Write About This Place, in 2011.

About this writer:

Liatema Munyu