Two people die, chief and 10-year-old boy in hospital after consuming lethal brew in Meru

MERU: Two villagers died Friday while a 50-year old assistant chief, a 10 year old child and a 35-year old man are admitted at a hospital after they consumed a lethal traditional drink in Tigania West.

Police said the two died at Kiorimba area in Uringu division after they had consumed a muratina drink brewed in a villager’s home.

The dead were identified as George Nkubiti (52) and John Mbirithi (50) while those admitted at Charia hospital are the unidentified assistant chief for Gichubiri sub location and a man identified as John Muriungi (35).

Meru police commander Samson Kinne said initial reports indicated one of the dead villagers is also a former chief.

"The initial reports point out that the four were preparing the traditional drink which they intended to present as some of the gifts during the dowry payment ceremony for one of them tomorrow," said Kinne.

A villager said the muratina brew was among the food that was being prepared to be taken for the dowry ceremony at Murera village in Igembe North district.

Kinne said police had seized the honey and muratina ingredients that were being used to prepare the killer drink.

"What we are sure about is that this was not a second generation brew but a traditional drink that many locals prepare for dowry ceremonies," added the police commander.