60 MPs being treated for cancer, claims Sonko – VIDEO
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Monday disclosed that more than 60 Kenyan MPs are currently battling cancer.
“Cancer is a serious disease. The reports we have now indicate that there are over 60 MPs with cancer… As leaders, we need to strategize on the way forward and how we will deal with the disease,” said Governor Sonko.
He made the disclosure while addressing journalists at Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi following the death of Bomet Governor Dr Joyce Laboso on Monday.
Kenya has lost two leaders to cancer in less than a week. Kibra MP Ken Okoth died last Friday and Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso died on Monday.
Last year, Juja MP Francis Munyua Waititu, who was successfully treated for brain cancer in India, said he met nine Kenyan MPs and four Senators in the Asian country, who were equally seeking treatment for the deadly disease.
TIME TO TALK
Speaking to the Standard, the MP said the number of Kenyans suffering from the killer disease is alarming and it is time to talk about it boldly.
“The situation is serious. We have for example about 63 MPs and thousands of other Kenyans suffering from cancer. We must get out and talk about it boldly,” he said.
“I met hundreds of cancer patients from Kenya alone. Among them were nine of my fellow MPs and four Senators. The cancer scourge is enormous and we can no longer afford to bury our heads in the sand. We must get out and talk about it,” he said.
He disclosed that he personally spent Sh1.8 million on housing alone for the period he was there.
“How many Kenyans can afford that?” he posed.
40,000 Kenyans are diagnosed with cancer annually, while at least 15,000 people die of cancer every year, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.