A teenager who was among the Muslims who shielded Christians from Al-Shabaab militants in Mandera last December is seeking help despite promises from the government.
Abdirashid Adan is still nursing gunshot wounds six months after the Somalia-based terror group attacked a Mandera-bound bus in which he was aboard.
During the attack, Abdirashid and Salah Farah (deceased) defended Christians from being killed by the terrorists who were sparing Muslims.
After the attack, the government promised to settle all medical expenses of those affected including Abdirashid, whose medical bill has accumulated to over Sh1.5 Million at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
It is reported that no government agency has shown concern even as the teenager's hospital bill balloons.
According to Abdirashid's mother, the cost of managing her son's health had taken a toll on the family as all they had was channelled towards his recovery.
“Am poor and appealing to the government to help my son. I also call for assistance to support my family too because all the resources have been used on Abdirashid ,” Ms Asli Adan, a mother of eight told KTN News.
In December, Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu was quoted assuring that the government would foot all the bills and other expenses.
“We will stand up with Kenyans of goodwill who stand up for fellow Kenyans when the time of need comes,” said Mailu.
His sentiments were echoed by the KNH management when Abdi and Farah were airlifted to the facility for further treatment days after the attack.
Abdirashid and Farah grabbed international media headlines due to their heroic acts of standing up for Christians against the dreaded militiamen.
“ I gave Christians hijabs and told the attackers that there was no christians in the bus. Since I was sitting at the door, I refused to open,” said Abdirashid .
The Form Four student was shot three times while his compatriot Farah was shot twice during the incident that left two people dead and scores injured.
Farah, who succumbed to his injuries this year, was recognised by President Uhuru Kenyatta when he visited his family in Mandera where he handed his wife the Order of the Grand Warrior.
