Tharaka-Nithi woman rep appeals for Meru County govt’s help to fight cholera

Tharaka-Nithi woman representative Beatrice Nkatha has called on the Meru County government to assist in fighting a cholera outbreak at the border of the two counties.

Speaking on Wednesday at Gatithini market in Tharaka North, Ms Nkatha said out of more than 100 patients receiving treatment at the camp, eighteen are from the Tigania East and Igembe South in Meru County.

“Unless the two counties join hands in fighting the disease, people will continue to suffer,” said Ms Nkatha.

She said the spread of the disease had been heightened by pollution of Ura and Thangatha rivers.

“Let those who are upstream stop washing clothes and vehicles in the river,” she urged.

Ms Nkatha called on the residents to boil water before drinking and exclusively use toilets.

DIRTY ILLEGAL BREWS

She faulted the chiefs and other administrators for failing to curb drinking of local brews.

The MP asked County Commissioner Florence Amoit to enforce the fight against brewing of illegal alcohol.

She asked the national government to offer monetary and drug support to the county government to fight the disease.

“These are our people and the two levels of government must work closely to combat the disease,” she said.

County Disease Prevention Officer Isaiah Kabui warned that anyone found polluting rivers will face the full force of the law.

He added that all hotels will remain closed until the situation is contained.

Tharaka North Public Health Officer Njagi Murata said most of the locals were taking the dirty brew making it hard to fight the spread of cholera.