Londiani Sub-County Hospital is grappling with a sudden outbreak of contaminated fermented milk known as ‘Mursik’ in Kalenjin culture that has affected 176 people so far.
The affected residents showed up at the hospital complaining of vomiting, diarrhoea, and body pain which has been pointed to food poisoning, and health officials have been working around the clock to treat the patients.
“We began drinking 10 litres of Mursik on Friday, January 17, 2025, then at around midnight some experienced severe vomiting” Pastor Koech Collins of the Church of Christ explained.
In an interview with Kenya News Agency, Senior Clinical Officer Justus Mosera revealed that 63 patients remain admitted, while 113 have been discharged after treatment.
“The hospital has provided Intravenous (IV) fluids, antibiotics, and painkillers to those affected. Fortunately, none of the patients have needed to be referred to other medical facilities so far,” Mosera remarked.
Among the patients in critical condition are seven children, the youngest being six years old.
The source of the food poisoning is believed to be linked to Mursik, a traditional fermented milk drink popular among the Kalenjin community that has been added yeast. According to Pastor Koech, it was bought from a vendor on Friday evening since the church expected more than 20 visitors during a religious celebration.
The milk vendor who supplied the contaminated Mursik disappeared after realizing the police were after her to record a statement.
A mother of some of the child victims, Betty Kirui, said that her two children were severely affected and admitted in serious condition.
“I express my gratitude to God that my other four children were in school or else they could have undergone the same experience” Kirui reiterated.
Despite the food poisoning incident, many residents emphasized their continued loyalty to Mursik.
“We will continue drinking Mursik. We cannot say all of it is bad. A Kalenjin celebration is incomplete without Mursik,” said one resident.
