Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-16 12:49:35
A man suspected of consuming a toxic brew at the Kangai area in Kirinyaga County on Friday morning collapsed, adding to the long list of bad liquor victims. The victim was rushed to the Kandongu dispensary with blurred vision symptoms.
The hospital is just a stone’s throw away from where Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki was holding a security meeting at Mwea-West sub-County headquarters. The two institutions are separated by a fence.
Residents said the man entered a bar at Kangai village, consumed the brew, and later went to work in Kandongu. He collapsed as he was working and was immediately rushed to the dispensary and put on a drip. His condition worsened, and he was transferred to Kerugoya referral hospital. Some residents protested, saying the patient should not have been transferred without being visited by Prof Kindiki. They lamented that it was shocking toxic brews continued being sold in the area.
This incident comes barely two days after another person died, and two others lost their sight after consuming a toxic brew at Kandongu village. The three were taking brew believed to have been laced with poisonous chemicals and started vomiting and complaining of stomach pains. They hurriedly went home but were rushed to Kandongu dispensary by relatives and neighbors when their condition worsened. One of the men lost his life while undergoing treatment.
Last week, fifteen other people perished after taking a poisonous brew at Kangai village. Those who perished are scheduled to be buried on Saturday after a joint interdenominational funeral service. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua condemned the incident and ordered that Kirinyaga county commissioner Tobiko Naiyoma and senior security officers be recalled to Nairobi to pave the way for investigations. He is expected to attend the funeral service of the victims and stated that an inquiry will be opened, and those found culpable will be fired and charged in court.
A trader was also charged with selling expired alcoholic drinks, to which he denied the charge, and the court ordered that he be remanded in prison until March 7 when the case will be mentioned. The situation of toxic brews continues to be a grave concern in Kirinyaga County, affecting the health and lives of its residents. It is crucial for authorities to address this issue promptly to prevent further loss of life and harm to the community. Residents are calling for accountability, stricter regulations, and enforcement to eradicate the problem and ensure the safety and well-being of the people.
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