A Journey Through Cancer: Recurrence, Surgical, and Aftershocks(Part III)
Editor’s Introduction
Dear valued readers,
Life, like a winding river, rarely travels in a straight line. It twists, turns, and flows forward—even through challenges. When obstacles arise, we remember that life goes on, and we can choose to keep flowing, even when the current is strong. Challenges can slow us, ground us, or bury us, yet they can also make us stronger and more prepared for what lies ahead.
At Kollea Hub, we transform challenges into inspiration through powerful storytelling. We give people facing difficult situations a platform to share experiences that uplift others. Those who overcome life-threatening situations become our Life Champions.
Meet our first Life Champion: Duncan Kizito Namulanda.
Namulanda battled stage 3 laryngeal cancer with radiotherapy and chemotherapy; when it recurred a year later, he faced surgery—his throat literally cut open—leaving him with a permanent voice disability. While recuperating, his employer, Standard Group, delivered a blow: a termination email while he was in India for treatment. After nineteen years at KTN—Standard Group—his career ended in the harshest way. He faced a stark choice: weep over a lost job or fight for his life as cancer held him by the neck.
His resolve is truly remarkable. In a three-part series, Namulanda narrates his journey to inspire others.
This is his story—told to inspire.
Editor,
Kollea Hub
Part III: Recurrence, Surgery, And Aftershocks
By Kizito Namulanda
In the first two parts of this narration, I focused on the diagnosis, the journey to India for treatment, and what unfolded after I returned home following completion of treatment. In the third and final part, I turn to recurrence, surgery, and the aftershocks that followed..
Recurrence and the Hard Choices
The Surgical Moment: Voice Preservation and Hope
By the time I was heading to theatre, I was already receiving two sets of preparations—one for a partial and another for a total laryngectomy. I prayed day and night and clung to that little glimmer of hope. I remained optimistic that God would answer my prayers.
When it was finally time to go to the theatre, I had to summon every bit of courage, hope, and optimism in the world. In such moments, I usually turn to gospel songs for uplift, but at that hour they overwhelmed me with emotion. I needed something to steady me, so I turned to Lingala songs mostly by Kanda Bongoman. His music reminded me of my school friends, and their support was a powerful ballast. Kanda himself who is also a close friend, had encouraged me to go through the surgery without worrying about the outcome. I found courage in Kanda Bongoman’s songs and in soukous as I prepared for the surgeon’s knife.
Before anesthesia, I offered silent prayers and surrendered everything to God. When I woke, it felt like a movie scene: I was in ICU, strapped and immobile, with beeps all around. My wife stood nearby, overwhelmed. Nurses checked me, and the doctors confirmed I had woken up. Though exhausted, I was eager to know how the operation went. Dr. Priyanka Reina, who had worked closely with Dr. Hazarika, arrived at my bedside with good news: they were able to keep part of my voice box. I felt immediate relief—my prayer had been answered. I smiled and silently thanked God.
Dr. Hazarika later explained that the operation was extremely complex—one many doctors avoid—yet he took it on because he wanted to save my voice so I could continue earning a living as a broadcaster.
Termination Amid Recovery
Recovery was a rough journey, particularly the first month, when I could only feed through pipes. I required regular trips to New Delhi for follow-up treatment, which I still make to this day. On my first post-surgery review, three months later, I received a cruel blow: I was served a termination letter from my employer. A colleague informed me he’d received a termination notice and was reaching out to thank me for giving him a chance to work at KTN. I was in shock, as I wasn’t aware of any retrenchment plans in my department, but I encouraged him to stay strong and seek other opportunities.
Unknown to me, a similar letter had already been emailed to me. When I finally saw it, I didn’t know what to do. I was completely shaken and confused, but an inner voice urged me to prioritize health. After listening to that voice, I chose to focus on praying for a good medical report from the doctors. God answered again—the medical results were favorable. After recovering, I returned to Nairobi to plead my case, but the company stood firm: the decision was final.
When I finally went to collect my letter, I discovered the company was offering severance payments in ten monthly installments rather than a lump sum. I pleaded for a one- or two-installment settlement given my condition, but they refused to discuss anything before I signed the termination letter. If I delayed, I would miss the first installment, which was due in a month. In desperate need of that money, I signed. That was the end of that chapter. Fourteen months later, I am still pleading for that first installment.
Lessons learnt
I have learned many lessons, but two stand out: first, God will never forsake you if you put your trust in Him; second, when faced with multiple battles, you must choose wisely which to prioritize. The journey has been tough, but I thank God I am in good health now and ready to start afresh. Each morning, like a football striker emerging from a drought, I pray for that one chance to put the ball in the net and bring back the joyful moments.
I end with a Luhya proverb: Kwalulukha, kulooma.
Thank you for reading my story. I hope you will be inspired to keep fighting when faced with challenges.
AUTHOR'S BIO
Kizito Namulanda is a seasoned Broadcast Media executive renowned for leading newsroom transformations, digital innovation, and audience growth. A trusted editor and strategist, he has built enduring relationships with stakeholders and audiences, turning bold ideas into measurable results.
Today, Namulanda channels that same tenacity into a deeply personal three-part series that chronicles his battle with laryngeal cancer, the fight for voice, and the resilience required to rebuild life and career after recurrence. This narrative blends his professional rigor with lived experience, illustrating how courage, faith, and family sustain hope in the face of illness.
5 Comments
Paul Achungo
Keep strong my friend school mate it shall be well
Martin ngesa
Pole omwami. God is 👍
Enock Matundura
Pole Ndugu KMD. Mungu aendelee kukupigania katika vita hivi vikali, na bila shaka utapata ushindi.
Peter Mwabili
All will be well InshaAllah
Patrick Rukwaro
You are truly strong. God Almighty will see you through.