Four people have been confirmed dead after consuming a local brew dubbed ‘kaluvu’ in Kyuso, Mwingi North, Kitui County.
Authorities say that seven others are receiving treatment at Mwingi Level 4 Hospital after they were referred from Kyuso Level 4 Hospital.
Recounting the ordeal, the survivors said they usually take the brew from that particular seller but do not understand what transpired, suspecting the liquor which is usually hidden in a bush for security officers not to suspect during famentation was poisoned.
“Jana nilikuwa kazi ya mjengo alafu huyo mzee akatupea hiyo kaluvu. Ilipofika saa kumi na moja ndiyo maneno ikawa mbaya, tukaanza kukimbizwa hospitalini. Tuliyefanya kazi naye alienda kuketi chini ya mti akaanza kuniambia anahisi joto sana,” one of the sruvivors recounts. “Nilichukua maji nikamumwagia kichwani. Lakini mda mfupi baadaye akapoteza maisha. Hii ni sumu haiwezi kuwa pombe. Penye mzee alikuwa ameficha pombe ni kama kuna watu waliweka sumu.”
Confirming the incident, the area chief Kasyoka Kilonzi said the seller is also admitted at the same hospital facility.
Those who drunk the liquor say they developed severe fever, stomachache, vomiting, diarrhea among other symptoms.
The bodies of those who succumbed are lying at Kyuso Level 4 Hospital mortuary.
