Killer brew claims one life in Machakos, leaves others in hospital

MACHAKOS COUNTY: One person died while four others were hospitalized at the Machakos level Five hospital after allegedly consuming adulterated brew.

The victims reportedly consumed the drink at Ilaani market in Kathama area of Mwala district in Machakos County on Saturday.

According to Kangundo Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Wako Abduba, the deceased died while undergoing treatment at the hospital on Sunday.

He told The Standard on telephone that two victims of the killer brew were treated and discharged while two others are admitted at the same facility but their condition is stable.

A source at the referral hospital confirmed the two victims of the killer drink were responding well to treatment and could be discharged any time.

The police boss said the killer drink is labelled Meakin from Athi River based London Distillers plant, adding the distillers have since distanced themselves from the killer brew.

“They have claimed the drink packed in their containers is faked”, said Abduba adding the police have taken samples of the drink to the government chemist for analysis.

The OCPD said four people have since been arrested over the killer brew as investigations into the incident got under way.

Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka sent his message of condolences to the bereaved family and wished those in hospital quick recovery.

He said the government should squarely be held responsible for deaths resulting from the killer brews saying some of them bore the Kenya Bureau Standard (KEBS) stamp duty stickers.

“Some of the drinks that have led to deaths of consumers bear the KEBS stamps, meaning they have been cleared as fit for consumption”, charged the MP.

He said he is contemplating suing the government for compensation following the deaths of his constituents adding, “Innocent Kenyans have died from killer brews yet the government is doing very little to address the matter”.