Five people, including three men and two women, have today lost their lives after consuming liquor that was reportedly adulterated as nine others cheated death.
The group from Oldonyoro and Kipsing in Isiolo County is said to have acquired the liquor from Rodongokwe market at the border of Isiolo and Samburu counties on Sunday, September 18, 2022.
Confirming the incident, Acting Isiolo Health Services Chief Officer Peter Ngechu said one died at Oldonyoro town while the other four died at Kipsing town.
Of the nine, six who had been hospitalized at Kipsigis Health Centre have been discharged while the other three were referred to Isiolo teaching and Referral Hospital.
Ngechu noted that they have seized a carton of the liquor that will assist in further investigations.
In a health report by the county, a surveillance team have been asked to do investigations and ensure all the victims are attended to.
“The team got two samples of liquor. One mother who died owns a bar in Oldonyiro. She is said to be the one who distributed the liquor to one teacher who owns a bar at Longopito,” the report in part.
“The situation is under control. Surveillance, laboratory team and Public Health officers are still on the ground to collect more information.”
Samples of the liquor have since been taken for a lab test to establish the chemical that caused the deaths.