I lost a leg: Mumina was only a kid when she survived an IED explosion in Lamu

Insecurity has long plagued Kenya's northern and coastal regions, casting a shadow over the dreams of some its residents. Yet, amidst this adversity, 21-year-old Mumina Omar has defied all odds – and is already inspiring other girls.

It happened in 2017. That's the year her life took a turn.

“I still remember the events of that fateful morning like it happened yesterday,” she says.

“I remember we were travelling to school that morning in a vehicle together with some of my friends when I heard an explosion,” says Mumina who was then a Standard Seven pupil at the Kiunga Primary School in Lamu.

The large blast resulting from the explosion filled the air – sending a quiet Mararani village into immediate turmoil.

The incident happened along the Mararani–Kiunga road, and would forever change her life.

Their vehicle had triggered a landmine that had been planted in the ground by suspected militia, resulting in a deafening explosion and a fiery inferno.

"The only thing I remember is a loud explosion followed by fire," remembers Mumina.

The incident happened in a remote area around the Boni forest. The remote nature of their location and the rough terrain delayed rescue efforts, leaving them trapped in the forest until late into the night.

The blast killed four learners. A few moments before the blast took away their lives – they had been exchanging those innocent looks as they enjoyed the bumpy ride in search of education, but now they were no more.  Mumina was terrified.

Mumina wandered into the forest – alone.

“The impact following the explosion sent me flying, and in that state of confusion I found myself alone in the forest, and bloodied,” she said.

She would spend a harrowing night alone in the forest, consumed by pain and fear, eventually lapsing into unconsciousness.

A search party would find her the following morning at 11:00am.

She spent the next few weeks moving from one hospital to another – as she sought treatment.

Unfortunately, the extent of her injuries necessitated the amputation of one of her legs. This happened three months after the incident that took away the lives of her fellow pupils.

The loss of her leg had profound repercussions, affecting not only her education, dreams, and self-esteem but also her family resources. Yet, her indomitable spirit prevailed.

With the help of an artificial leg, given by a good Samaritan, she returned to school in 2019, persevering through bouts of excruciating pain to complete her education.

After completing her secondary education, her pains anchored her within the walls of their home – but Mumina would step out and face life.

She would proceed to enrol for a tailoring course through Ujuzi Manyattani programme. The initiative is focussed on empowering young men and women in marginalized communities.

''I have acquired knowledge around sewing and dressmaking. These skills will change my life and that of my family,” she told Wananchi Reporting.

Mumina has been able to overcome her fears and doubts following the incident that nearly took her life.