Tragedy has struck Ngitana village in Igembe North, Meru County, after two elderly men lost their lives leaving others in critical condition after consuming suspected poisonous local brew.
Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma who visited the area confirmed the deaths, saying that the two men were pronounced dead on the spot, while five others were rushed to Nyambene Level Four Hospital in critical condition.
The victims are said to have consumed a locally brewed drink identified as “Mucege”, which investigators believe may have been laced with a harmful lethal substance.
According to preliminary health reports, the victims began complaining of severe abdominal pain and vomiting moments after taking the brew.
Villagers who witnessed the incident said the situation quickly turned tragic as the men including the brewer collapsed and died .
“One minute they were laughing and drinking and the next they were writhing in pain,” said one local resident who requested anonymity.
Shockingly according to the villagers ,the person suspected of brewing and selling the illicit alcohol is also reported to have died after sampling his own product.
Residents said the man, who had been running an illegal drinking den for years, collapsed shortly after taking a sip from his own poisonous cup .
Commissioner Ouma, condemned the continued production and sale of illegal alcohol in the region warning that the government would not tolerate laxity from local leaders tasked with enforcing the ban on illicit brews.
“We are treating this as a very serious matter any police or local administrator, including chiefs and their assistants, who fail to act against such illegal activities will face severe disciplinary action because government will not entertain negligence in matters that cost lives.” said the officer.
Residents described the deceased brewer as a repeat offender who had been arrested multiple times for selling unlicensed alcohol but continued to operate secretly despite frequent crackdowns.
They accused some local officials of turning a blind eye to his activities.
Ouma assured the public that investigations have been launched to determine the source of the poisonous brew and whether it contained industrial chemicals or other harmful ingredients. Police have already collected samples of the drink for laboratory testing.
Health officials at Nyambene Level Four Hospital said the hospitalized patients are under close observation and that some are responding to treatment, though their condition remains delicate.
Meanwhile, county security teams have intensified patrols in the area to shut down illegal brewing dens and arrest those involved in the manufacture and sale of illicit alcohol.
Commissioner Ouma appealed to residents to report anyone suspected of operating such businesses to prevent further loss of life.
“We must all work together to eliminate these dangerous drinks from our communities no family should have to lose a loved one because of greed and negligence.”noted Ouma.
