Pastor Vanishes From Hospital, Then Reappears Safe: "I Am a Patient"

• A 30-year-old clergyman hailing from Kericho County, disappeared after fleeing from Kapkatet Sub-County Hospital, where he had been receiving medical care.
• Gideon Kipkoech was diagnosed with severe cerebral malaria, a dangerous and possibly fatal disease, prior to his escape from the medical facility.
• Edgar mentioned to Mountaintraveller.co.ke that his sibling was discovered on Tuesday, June 3, in Litein and has been brought back to the medical facility for further treatment and care.

A household in Kimasian village, located in Kapsoit of Kericho county, is now at ease following the return of their 30-year-old offspring, Gideon Kipkoech, who had been missing for a full day but has since been discovered unharmed.

Gideon’s brother, Edgar, told Mountaintraveller.co.ke that the young pastor was discovered roaming the streets of Litein town.

He explained that Gideon had escaped from Kapkatet Sub-County Hospital on Monday, June 2, where he had been receiving treatment.

"When we brought him to the medical facility, he was identified as having cerebral malaria. He left the hospital unnoticed and without informing anyone," Edgar disclosed.

Edgar mentioned that they were glad he was located safely and wished for a speedy recovery.

We returned him to the hospital, where he remains hospitalized," said the brother. "We hope for his recovery so he can resume his pastoral responsibilities since he has just finished theological studies.

What is cerebral malaria?

The Mayo Clinic states that malaria is a condition triggered by a parasitic organism, transmitted to people via the bites ofmosquitoes that carry the infection.

Individuals suffering from malaria typically encounter high fevers along with trembling chills. Nonetheless, this condition has the potential to be lethal, especially when triggered by the Plasmodium falciparum strain, widely prevalent in African regions.

Malaria of the brain happens when parasites clog tiny blood vessels within the brain. This may cause the brain to swell, leading to confusion, convulsions, and even a comatose state.

In extreme situations, the swift spread of the parasite through crucial organs can lead to death within a matter of hours.