Kisii strange disease: Health PS gives new directive

Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni when she visited Amarondo Village in South Mugirango, Kisii County where around 70 residents are ailing a common disease. March 4 2025 [Stanley Ongwae, Standard]

The Ministry of Health has ordered the immediate closure of a piped water source in Amarondo village, Nyabigege area in Kisii County, following an outbreak of a mysterious illness that has left hundreds of residents hospitalized.

Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni issued the directive after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of fecal contamination in the water supply.

Addressing the media during a visit to the affected area, PS Muthoni urged residents to avoid using tap water and seek alternative sources to prevent further infections.

"From today onwards, members of this community should abstain from using water from the tap. Let them find alternative sources to ensure no more people fall ill," she stated.

The closure follows reports of over 200 individuals in three villages suffering from severe diarrhea, bloody stools, fever, and intense headaches.

Many of the affected have been admitted to local health facilities, including Tabaka Mission Hospital, Nyatike Level Two Hospital, Prina Hospital, and Royal Hospital in Rongo.

The Ministry of Health dispatched a team of experts to South Mugirango earlier this week to investigate the outbreak.

Additional water samples have been sent for further laboratory analysis to determine the extent of the contamination and confirm whether the water is unfit for human consumption.

"We have toured the village, met affected families, and assessed their water sources. The results show contamination with fecal matter both at the main source and within individual households," PS Muthoni stated.

Authorities are now urging residents to exercise caution and boil any water before use as investigations continue into the source of contamination and potential long-term solutions to prevent future outbreaks.