Ten people die after consuming illicit brew in Embu

A map of the Embu Town, where the incident occurred Monday night. MAP|GOOGLE

By MUNENE KAMAU

Embu, Kenya: At least ten people were feared dead Monday night after allegedly consuming some illicit liquor at a slum in Embu town, Embu County.

Some 35 other victims were rushed to the Embu Level Five hospital writhing in pain and admitted, according to the area Medical Superintendent Dr.Gerald Ndiritu.

The medic said the victims were brought by police and members of the public shortly after 9 pm .

He said among those admitted most had complained of sight loss while others complained of feeling dry in the mouth.

By 10 pm Monday night a woman said to have been behind the brewing of the stuff had been arrested, according to the area OCPD Elphas Korir.

Korir also confirmed his officers on the beat picked two dead bodies at the Shauri slum where the toxic liquor was being retailed at Sh 20 per 100 millilitre measure.

A victim Ms Felista Karimi painfully narrated how she took portions of the stuff at different points within the slum.

Dr. Ndiritu said that by 8.15 pm, at least seven had been confirmed dead and their bodies removed to the mortuary.

At the hospital, confusion reigned as curious relatives fought their way into the wards where the victims have been admitted and at the hospital’s outpatient bay.