Seven die after consuming illicit brew

Seven people have died and five others admitted at Thika Level Five hospital due to alcohol poisoning after consuming illicit brew.

Speaking from the hospital bed, survivors said they bought the brew from their colleagues who had collected it and packed it in cartons.

Upon consumption, they started feeling dizzy, developed stomachaches, headaches and loss of appetite.

Some of the victims started to lose their sight before succumbing.

The brands under the names of Napoleon, Blue Ice and Meakins were found abandoned by bodaboda operators who went around selling at a throw away price.

It is reported that more than 30 people, including women, took it and the eight cartons are said to be in circulation in most shops in Thika,

Kiambu County Chief Public Officer Dominic Gicheru said it was unfortunate that such a tragedy happened in Kiambu while a crackdown on illicit brew was still underway.

Gicheru is now warning members of the public against taking anything they find hidden and asked them to report to the authorities of such cases.

Most of the victims were from the sprawling Kiandutu Slums and were casual labourers and bodaboda and matatu operators from Thika Town who hail from the slums.