Two individuals, allegedly blinded by consuming illicit alcohol in Kirinyaga, are pictured outside a house on Tuesday, February 06, while a gathering forms in the vicinity. (IMAGE/COURTESY)
In Summary:
1) Six family members tragically lose their lives, while five others suffer blindness after consuming illicit liquor in Kangai village, Mwea East, Kirinyaga county.
2) Kerugoya County Health CeC George Karoki warns of the dangers of the notorious ‘California’ brew, citing symptoms consistent with ethanol poisoning.
Feb 6, (TopNews) – In Kangai village, Mwea East, Kirinyaga county, a devastating incident has unfolded, claiming the lives of six family members and leaving five others blinded after consuming illicit alcohol.
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Kerugoya County Health CeC George Karoki confirmed the fatalities, revealing that among the deceased was a patient referred to the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital who tragically passed away upon arrival.
Reports suggest that the deceased relatives had consumed the illicit liquor, leading to their untimely deaths, with their bodies now resting in a funeral home.
Despite the grim reports, Karoki highlighted ongoing efforts to confirm the fatalities, as relatives and family members claim that five others succumbed to the effects of the toxic brew within their homes.
Distressing videos circulating online depict four men and an elderly woman appearing disoriented outside a house, indicative of the dire consequences of consuming the potent ‘California’ brew prevalent in the region.
Karoki expressed grave concern over the symptoms exhibited by the victims, including blurred vision, consistent with ethanol poisoning.
He underscored the potential dangers posed by such illicit brews, warning of severe health complications such as liver cirrhosis and neurological issues, including vision impairment.
Karoki stated, “We suspect this illicit brew had ethanol because of the signs and symptoms that they exhibited; it showed that they had blurred vision and could not see well. This type of chemical can cause liver cirrhosis and other nervous system problems, including that sign where they cannot see well.”