By MUNENE KAMAU
Kirinyaga, Kenya: Five people are admitted to Kerugoya District General Hospital after consuming illicit brews.
The victims fell unconscious after taking the brews from different outlets in Kirinyaga County. Area Medical Officer of Health Robert Ngunjiri said the victims were partially blind due to the toxicity of the liquor.
He said one victim was rushed to Mathari Mission Hospital in neighbouring Nyeri County for a head scan after failing to respond to treatment. “The others are still recuperating and their condition is stable,” he said.
Ms Judy Wangithi, said her husband, David Munene Kibuchi, arrived home on Wednesday evening appearing weak and unable to stand on his own. “Kibuchi came home shortly after 9pm on Wednesday and when I inquired what the matter was, he said he had taken several beers at nearby Kibingo market which had reacted badly in his body,” she said.
She said her husband’s condition worsened and she took him to hospital at 4am yesterday.
A sixth victim Titus Kagweru, 65, from Kianderi village was brought to the hospital yesterday afternoon with similar complains and was admitted to Ward 4 where the other patients are recuperating. Ngunjiri said samples of the suspected toxic beer have been taken to the Government Chemist for analysis.
The samples were collected by area Public Health Officers from the various drinking joints where the victims consumed the brews.
