Vihiga man with albinism dies from injuries

National Coordinator for Albinos Empowerment Network Martin Wanyonyi (in black T-Shirt) examines wounds inflicted on Enoch Jamenya when he visited him at Vihiga Hospital on September 12, 2015. Jamenya was attacked by unknown persons who wanted his body parts to take to Tanzania. [PHOTOS: ERIC LUNGAI/STANDARD]

KENYA: A 56-year-old man living with albinism who was attacked at his home on September 10 succumbed to his injuries on Sunday night.

Enoch Jamenya was attacked while asleep in his house by people who allegedly wanted to trade in his body parts. He sustained injuries to his fingers, his left ear and had a deep cut below his ear.

He was admitted at Vihiga Hospital and discharged last Friday. According to his brother, Nixon Lugadiru, Mr Jamenya had been complaining of a severe headache since the attack.

The National Co-ordinator of the Albinism Empowerment Network Martin Wanyonyi, said the albinism fraternity was shocked by the demise of their "big brother".

Mr Wanyonyi, a nominated MCA, said Jamenya's death was a clear picture of what people living with albinism in the country go through.

"We visited him on Sunday at his home in Hamisi and he said he would be okay but this morning (yesterday), I was shocked to learn that he had died. It is about time the security organs take our concerns seriously," said Wanyonyi.

He added: "The Government should take this as an eye opener. Every election year in Tanzania, people living with albinism live in great fear, we need to be protected."

He said five years ago, a young boy living with albinism disappeared from his home and has never been found.

Wanyonyi said neighbouring Tanzania had enacted strict laws to protect albinos saying Kenya had become a soft target.

"We want to tell witch doctors that no part of our body can be used for any of their activities," he said.