Siaya to ‘bury’ children killed by poisonous cassava

The County Government of Siaya says it will foot the funeral expenses of the four children who died after consuming poisonous cassava at Uhuru village, Bar-Agulu in Alego-Usonga on Saturday, September 17.

According to Siaya Deputy Governor, Wilson Ouma Onyango, the county government will purchase coffins, settle the hospital and mortuary bills and also cater for the transportation of the bodies from the mortuary to home for burial.

Onyango stated that they will be waiting for the family’s burial arrangements so as to accord them the necessary support.

The Deputy Governor, who was speaking after visiting the bereaved family on Monday, September 19, called on members of the public to take precaution, adding that there is need for sensitization to create awareness on the varieties of cassava grown in the region.

“Please follow the rules given by agricultural experts. Otherwise we shall continue losing members of our community,” said the Deputy Governor.

He, however, dismissed claims that the incident was an indication that there is famine in Siaya County.

The Deputy Governor, who was flanked by Alego/Usonga MP George Muluan Omondi’s representative Mr. Oniang’o Oloo, stated that in Siaya county, cassava is only eaten as a meal of changing diet but not that the region in faced with famine.