Embu: 1 dead, 6 hospitalised after eating leftover food from ceremony
What was meant to be a joyous community gathering in Kiritiri in Mbeere South subcounty, Embu County, has ended in unspeakable tragedy after a 14-year-old boy died and six others were rushed to hospital in a suspected case of food poisoning, all from eating cold, leftover food.
The incident, which unfolded in Mavuria Ward, Mbeere South, has shaken the community to its core and raised urgent questions about food safety at public events.
Confirming the incident, Embu County Chief Officer for Public Health, Henry Nthiga, said the victims had attended a social function on Saturday, May 10, 2025, where food was served in plenty. He said after the event, several attendees packed leftover food to take home, but in a devastating turn, they ate the food the next day without reheating it.
“None of it was warmed. They ate the leftovers the following day, Sunday, as it was. That is where the danger began,” Nthiga explained.
Diarrhoea
He said within hours of eating, the victims, including the teenager, began suffering violent diarrhoea and other symptoms of acute food poisoning. But thinking it would pass, they delayed seeking medical help until Monday, May 12, when they were taken to Kiritiri Level 3 Hospital.
By the time the family sought medical attention, the 14-year-old’s condition had deteriorated rapidly. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Kiritiri Level 3 Hospital. The six others are still hospitalised, though according to health officials, their condition is now stable.
Nthiga said health officials immediately descended on the affected home when they got the information, disinfecting the area and launching a probe into the source of contamination.
“This is a wake-up call. Reheat your food. Boil your water. And above all, involve public health officers when planning events where food will be served. These are avoidable deaths,” Nthiga said.
