Woman whose hands were chopped to receive prosthetic arms

Jackline Mwende whose hands were chopped by her husband for allegedly not being able to conceive in Kathama, Machakos County will now benefit from prosthetic arms.

This was after LG Electronics East Africa moved in and committed to giving her the prosthetics as well as meet all her medical expenses.

In line with that, Mwende was on Thursday admitted at the Kikuyu Orthopedic Centre where she will undergo various assessments and surgery before she is fitted with electronic limbs in six weeks.

According to Dr Michael Maru, who is a consultant orthopedist, Mwende will be fitted with a myo-electric limb which she will be able to use like normal hands.

He said that owing to the traumatic amputation she underwent during the vicious attack, the stumps have developed infections and will have to undergo surgery before she is fitted with the artificial arms.

Maru said that myo-electric prosthesis is a process where the stump will be fitted with sensors such that whenever she intends to do anything with her hands, a reflex action will inform her nervous system and the hand will operate like an ordinary one.

A distraught Mwende however says that she has since forgiven her husband Stephen Nthenge, but was quick to add that he should not be released as she fears for her life, urging that the law takes its course.

Mwende vows to never return to her matrimonial home saying that instead she would go to her parent’s home for her recovery.

On his part, Mwende’s father Samuel Munyao regrets her marriage to Nthege saying that he is ready to refund the dowry to her husband.

The father of six says he is ready to stay with his daughter.

On Wednesday, a section of women leaders visited Mwende and pledged Sh25,000 per month as upkeep for her.