Drinking spree that left four men blind

By Paul Gitau

Four men have lost their sight after consuming illicit brew at a burial in Milano, Malindi District.

Salim Hamza, Omar Ali, Mohammed Salim and Salim Shee had attended a colleague’s funeral in the neighbourhood when they met their fate.

Speaking to The Standard Mr Ali said after the ceremony they visited a nearby palm wine (mnazi) den for refreshment.

Ali, who lay helpless on his bed, said they were later approached by a man who was selling stronger and cheap liquor.

"Out of curiosity my friends and I bought a glass for Sh25. We then felt it was more powerful and sweeter, prompting us to discard our mnazi and order the new drink," Ali said.

After consuming several glasses, Ali bought two more glasses that he could drink the following day.

On reaching home the four developed excruciating pain in their eyes, which they linked to their drunken state and decided to sleep.

Later, Ali said he could not see prompting his relative to rush him to the Malindi District Hospital where he was informed that his three friends had also been hospitalised after developing the same complication.

They were admitted for two days and later referred to Coast General Hospital for specialised treatment.

They could not afford the treatment costs and are currently in their homes. Malindi Deputy OCPD Willy Simba said the matter was under investigation.

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palm wine mnazi