Five die, three others hospitalised in Isiolo after drinking spurious alcohol

Five people among them two women have died after consuming suspected poisonous alcohol in Kipsing and Oldonyiro locations in Isiolo North Constituency.

Three other people have been referred to Isiolo County Referral Hospital after developing complication after consuming the same alcohol. Police and Isiolo County public health officials are on high alert.

It is reported that the brew was was bought at Lodukoe market at the border of Isiolo and Laikipia counties by a woman who is believed to be part of a network dealing with the product.

The product identified as “smart vodka” is believed to have found its way to Kipsing markets and Wamba market in the neighbouring Samburu County where surveillance teams are on high alert to net the product before it poses more danger to consumers.

“The unnamed woman also consumed the product and is among the casualties,“ says Peter Ngechu, the acting Health Chief Officer in Isiolo County.

Ngechu says that all three persons hospitalized have complained of sight problems but are all in stable condition.

Governor's directive on illicit brew

While calling for calm, Ngechu said that Isiolo County Governor Abdi Guyo has issued a directive to health surveillance teams to put in place control measures on all entertainment joints and also comb suspected areas to avert continued consumption of illicit brews with operations being done in coordination with Samburu counterparts who have also been affected.

According to Isiolo county public health director Guracha Sarite, the victims of the brew and patients seem to have consumed high ethanol content brew.

Guracha said a team of public health officials will be active to educate the public and also close down the spread and consumption of the same.