Deaths toll rises as five more victims succumb in Makueni and Machakos counties

By Daniel Nzia and onesumus Nzioka

Machakos, Kenya: The number of deaths from the killer brews has risen after five more people succumbed in Makueni and Machakos counties.

Three people died in Mwala location in Machakos County while two other were confirmed dead in Kikoko area, Kilungu district, Makueni County after reportedly  consuming the toxic drinks.

According to Mwala Sub County Commissioner Florence Amoit, the three are suspected to have consumed the lethal brew in a local bar on Thursday and their bodies were removed to the Machakos Level Five hospital mortuary.

She said the owner of the bar has been arrested adding that a massive operation to rid the lethal brews from the sub county has been mounted.

Machakos County Health minister Naomi Mutie confirmed three deaths were recorded at the hospital while twelve victims of the illicit brew are recovering at the facility.

She said the illegal killer brews being sold in local bars are countryman, game master, sacramental and kingstone, which she said have 100 per methanol.

In Kikoko, police said 43 cartons of the killer countryman brew were seized from smart wines and spirits deport at Kalongo market.

Kilungu OCPD Zackary Bitoko said it was suspected the two died as a result of the killer brew, which they were said to have taken last Sunday but said investigations have been launched. However, this had not been confirmed.

“The two took the drink on Sunday and died on Thursday as they were being take to hospital after their condition deteriorated,”  he said.