Editorial

"I am not faking cancer" – Designer Shiyenze maintains after Citizen exposé

Fashion designer Shiyenze Muringo Khasoha, popularly known just as designer Shiyenze, has refuted claims of faking Ovarian cancer. This comes after an exposé, in which the designer seemed to be

  • PublishedJuly 11, 2019

Fashion designer Shiyenze Muringo Khasoha, popularly known just as designer Shiyenze, has refuted claims of faking Ovarian cancer. This comes after an exposé, in which the designer seemed to be admitting to making up a cancer diagnosis alongside other medical claims, aired on Citizen TV on the night of July, 10.

In a strongly worded press statement, the famed designer mainly known for her bespoke Ankara pieces, dismissed the allegations, asserting that the video was edited to suit the needs of the journalists who were ‘hell-bent’ on selling their story.

“As regards to the video clip shown on Citizen TV, the same has been edited to fit a narrative. It has been used to fit the context of the persons who are hell bent to sell their story (sic),” read part of the statement.

A woman after God’s heart

The designer who describes herself as ‘A woman after God’s heart, Cancer Warrior and Founder of Be A Torch’ has also expressed hope that one day the full video will come out, and the public will be able to see her narration on her journey with cancer.

Press statement released by Ms Shiyenze earlier today

After the said diagnosis with Epithelial Carcinoma (ovarian cancer), friends of Shiyenze came up with a fund drive plan, that would see them ask the public to purchase outfits from her to raise the requisite amount for treatment. The poster was widely circulated, especially by other designers and known stakeholders in Kenya’s fashion realm. However, her caretakers accused her of lying.

Total money raised

The designer has also clarified that she has so far raised Ksh 600,000 for her treatment, and not Ksh 2 million as reported.

As to whether she has ovarian cancer or not, Shiyenze says that she, indeed, was diagnosed with the sickness back in March 2018. So far, and as included in her statement, she has undergone treatment, is waiting for final PET scan and then surgery.

She has promised to clarify the ‘whole circus’ once she completes the medical processes.

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