Four die, 10 hospitalised after taking illicit brew in Bungoma

Chang’aa seized at Suneka in Kisii South in September 2021. [Eric Abuga, Standard]

Four people died and ten others hospitalised on Wednesday morning, March 23, after consuming illicit brew at Kamukuywa Village in Kimilili, Bungoma County.

The county police commander, Meshack Musyoki, said the survivors were taken to Kimilili Sub-County Hospital.

It is suspected the illicit brew, chang’aa, that the 14 consumed had poisonous chemicals.

“The victims took the brew this morning. They, thereafter, started complaining of stomach pains. Four died at the scene, while ten were taken to hospital for emergency medical care,” Musyoki told The Standard.

Two women, said to have sold the poisonous liquor to the victims, were arrested and taken to Kimilili Police Station, Musyoki said.

Samples of the killer brew were taken to the government chemist for analysis.

“Once the test results are out, we will arraign the two suspects,” he said.

Kimilili Sub-County Police Commander refuted earlier reports which suggested that close to 20 people had died from illicit liquor poisoning.

“Let’s be responsible when publishing information on social media,” he said.