Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
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Kirinyaga – Several congregants from ACK Mukandu-ini Church in Kanyekiine Ward, Kirinyaga Central, were hospitalised after consuming meat from a cow killed during a Sunday, April 20, celebration.
The incident, which has affected over 100 people, is under investigation by health authorities in Kirinyaga County.
Jefithah Mutemi, one of the affected worshippers, described how the church community had gathered for a feast after slaughtering a bull.
Trouble began the next day when several people, including his family members, began falling ill.
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“I’ve brought my wife and two grandchildren to Kiaga Health Centre because we’re all feeling unwell,” Mutemi said.
Public health officials from the county government confirmed that over 100 people have so far sought treatment.
According to the officials, some worshippers are admitted to public facilities, while others are being attended to in private hospitals in Kagio and Kerugoya.
Sarah Njiraini, a mother of three, shared her ordeal:
“It started with headaches, joint pains, and fatigue. By the next day, my children were suffering from diarrhea, and I had to rush them to Kerugoya Hospital. Thankfully, they’re now stable.”
Speaking from Kagio Nursing Home, another affected worshipper, Moses Nyaga, expressed confusion over the cause of the illness.
“We had the meat inspected by a veterinary officer before cooking. Now we’re being advised by health officials to tell everyone who ate the meat to seek medical attention,” Nyaga said.
Preliminary reports indicate that more than 40 congregants showed up at Kiaga Health Centre with symptoms ranging from vomiting to diarrhoea on Monday, April 20
Some of the victims were reportedly rolling on the ground in pain before ambulances were called.
Three patients who were in more serious conditions were referred to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital.
The source of the illness remains unclear, with some church members suspecting the meat may have come from a sick animal, while others believe the maize flour used to prepare ugali could have been contaminated.
“We used maize from the church store, had it milled locally, and now some of us think aflatoxin could be the cause,” said Phyllis Nyaga.
Kirinyaga County’s Deputy Public Health Officer, Irungu, said the department is actively tracing everyone who may have consumed the meat.
“We want to ensure all affected individuals are treated promptly, especially since most are from Kanyekiine and Kangai wards,” he said.
More to follow…
Source: TUKO.co.ke
