Nyong’o back after successful treatment

Medical Services minister Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o and his wife, Dorothy, arrived back from the USA on March 6, 2011 where he had sought treatment for prostate cancer. Photo/HEZRON NJOROGE 

By NATION REPORTERPosted Sunday, March 6 2011 at 20:12

Medical Services minister Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o on Sunday returned to the country after a three-month stay in the US where he underwent successful treatment for prostate cancer.

Mr Nyong’o, who was in high spirits, arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport a few minutes after 3 pm accompanied by his wife, Dorothy.

He had been receiving medical care at the University of California San Francisco Medical Centre at the Mount Zion Hospital. (Read: Nyong’o: My battle with prostate cancer)

The two were received by family, friends, officials from the Medical Services ministry and members of the Orange Democratic Movement.

Mr Dalmas Otieno, who had been at the helm of the ministry in an acting capacity, welcomed Mr Nyong’o, saying he was glad that the treatment was successful.

Also present were Permanent Secretary Mary Ngari and Medical Services director Francis Kimani.

Prof Nyong’o said it was by the mercies of God that he was able to fight the cancer.

“I decided to go public with my illness because it is not a private matter but a social one and it could have happened to anyone,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that he was lucky to go abroad for treatment as he had insurance cover and he received support from the government but others may not be so lucky.

“From today, in my mandate I will endeavour to ensure Kenyans can access treatment locally,” the minister said.

“Kenya is capable of handling such cases if all mechanisms in the medical sciences field are put in place.”

The ODM Secretary General was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in July 2010 and put on hormone treatment. He sought specialised treatment in the US in December.

The ministry will hold a reception for Prof Nyong’o on Sunday.