A 28-year old Kenyan is seeking to travel to Belgium to undergo a medical procedure known as Euthanasia that will end his life.
Joe Mudukiza arrived at the decision after a long struggle with sickle cell, having been diagnosed with the disease at the age of 2.
“For 5 months my mind has been clouded by thoughts of my death. I have tried wearing a mask of strength that everyone around me is familiar with but pain has been peeling off that mask.
“This is the first time in 26 years that I chose to show the world my vulnerability. I have made a resolve to find peace, if there will be in the afterworld,” he opened up to the Nation.
The medical procedure he is seeking to undergo is yet to be legalized in Kenya and those around him are yet to come to terms with the decision.
“Would I rather live with pain that pricks every cell in my body?” he posed.
Though the disease has been affecting him throughout his life, it took a deep toll on him in April last year.
“The internet has provided me with my last option, euthanasia, what some people call mercy killing. I included this option in my bucket list when I had the worst pain episodes. I remember being surrounded by nurses trying to find my veins in vein, yet the pain intensified every minute. This lasted for 6 hours and when I went home after that, I started researching on Euthanasia,” Mudukiza said.
“While Kenya does not have this option, I reached out to the Right to Die Association in Belgium. They responded positively and I have started the process, only that no one around me supports this move. I am on my own,” he added.
His Kenyan doctors have however declined to sign a form that will lead him to his grave, saying that they are in a profession to preserve life and not end it.
“I told Belgian physicians about this development and they said I can still get my desire without their signature. I just have to confirm beyond any reasonable doubt that I am mentally fit and it is my last solution,” he said.
Mudukiza’s mother warned him about travelling to Belgium without her approval.
He quit teaching as he could no longer stand for longer hours.
He however has one biological child and five children that he adopted.
