Doctors Baffled by 15-Year-Old Girl in Machakos County Who Cries Tears of Blood

Deep in the Wamungilane village in Tala, Kangundo, Machakos County, the homestead of  Mr John Ndaka is in despair despite the promising harvest that lay ahead. 

For 2 years, a bizarre illness has terrified a 15-year-old daughter in the homestead. Hellen Mueni Ndaka has been experiencing a rare condition that has baffled many including reputed doctors. Since 2021, the Grade Eight pupil at Kyaaka Primary School has been experiencing bouts of abnormal bleeding with blood dashing out of her eyes like tears. Even worse, the haemorrhage occasionally comes through her mouth, nostril, ears and fingernail bed. 

Her mother said that the encounter is normally flanked by spells of body aches and weakness rendering her unconscious. 
 
“When she starts bleeding, especially from the mouth, she becomes so weak and at times slips into unconsciousness,” she explains. 

Sometimes her bleeding prolongs into weeks and in such a scenario, the family keeps a close eye on her. Her father said that they don't understand what triggers the episodes and that they enfold her even when doing normal chores. The family believes that the entry of dirt in her eyes or extended concentration on her books catalyses the bleeding. 

“She goes to school on and off. The last time she showed up in class was in February this year. That day she went to school and started bleeding. We were called to pick her up. The next day she went back again, but this time she bled until she fainted.” said Mr Ndaka. 

Mueni's father proclaimed that her daughter hasn't actively attended school for two years, blaming it on the haemorrhage episodes which are initiated by lengthy concentration. When the bouts of bleeding happen at school they disrupt learning as her fellow pupils interfere by staring and striking heartless jokes. As it stands, the family is not decided on whether Mueni will sit for her KCPE exams this year. 

The family's financial constraints have obliged Mueni to miss hospital appointments, which has worsened her condition. Previously, they arranged 2 fundraisers which failed to raise the desired amount.