Five dead in Nakuru after drinking illicit brew, 12 in hospital

At least five people died after drinking illicit liquor.

Nakuru County Commissioner Erastus Mbui said the five were from Hodihodi village in Bahati.

“Three people died while receiving treatment and two were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital,” he said.

According to the county boss, the tragedy struck just a day after a security meeting geared at eliminating the brews was held.

Maili Kumi Sub County Hospital Medical superintendent Kennedy Owino said the five cases had been reported at the facility. A 36-year-old woman who was seven months pregnant was stabilized.

“We have conducted the necessary tests and established that they had all consumed poisoned liquor,” said Dr Owino.

County Executive Committee Member for Health Kariuki Gichuki said 12 other patients were undergoing treatment. “The 12 are being managed for alcohol intoxication and organophosphate poisoning at different hospitals,” said Dr Gichuki.

According to residents, business rivalry may have led to the tragedy that also claimed the life of a brewer.

Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri who condoled with the grieving families accused security agencies of laxity in their work.

“It is unfortunate that these incidents are happening just a stone throw away from the administrators’ offices and the police station,” said Ngunjiri.

Governor Lee Kinyanjui mourned the five noting that they are set to launch a crackdown on illicit brews.