Pathologists launch investigations into Kerio Valley measles deaths

Residents of Kobil Village in Kotut Location, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, following the death of two children after they were given measles vaccinations on September 9, 2015. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Scores of villagers in Kapchesek, Kobil and Kakisagur told the Nation at the outreach centre where the jabs were administered that they would never take their children for vaccination.
  • Angry residents said they had known the medical personnel who administered the jab for years.
  • They said they suspected the problem might have been with the vaccines and not the with the professionalism of the health workers.
  • The police also confiscated the vaccines to be presented to authorities for transit to the Government Chemist for analysis.

A team of government pathologists from Nairobi were on Wednesday sent to Kerio Valley to carry out investigations into Tuesday’s mysterious deaths of two minors after a botched measles vaccination.

At the same time, grieving parents of the deceased children demanded answers as the bodies were moved to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret for post-mortem examinations.

The pathologists from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, led by Dr Christabel Khaemba, arrived at the Elgeyo-Marakwet County’s Iten headquarters at around noon and proceeded to Kerio Valley, where the tragic incident happened.

The officials toured the area even as distraught mothers and fathers vowed they would never take their children to hospitals for any vaccination.

The vaccination exercise has subsequently been called off.

Scores of villagers in Kapchesek, Kobil and Kakisagur told the Nation at the outreach centre where the jabs were administered that they would never take their children for vaccination.

DEVASTATED BY LOSS

Mrs Daisy Kemboi and Mrs Leah Kilimo, the mothers of the deceased babies, emotionally recounted the loss of the minors.

Mrs Kemboi said she was devastated by the loss of her nine-month-old baby, Jepchumba Kemboi.

“I woke up on Tuesday morning, washed the baby, fed and dressed her up to take her to the neighbouring Sesia Medical Outreach Camp. Within five minutes of receiving the jab, my child developed complications,” she said.

“All I can remember is I was subsequently on my way rushing her for treatment,” she said amid sobs.

The mother of four couldn’t talk any more and had to be whisked away by neighbours after being overwhelmed.

Her co-wife, Mrs Tecla Cheboi, said: “Kuanzia leo sisi hatuwezi kubali kupeleka watoto kwa chanjo yoyote hospitalini” (“From today, we will never take our children for any vaccination”).

“We have all over the years been taking children for vaccination but we have never encountered such tragedy. We want the government to give us answers over this,” she added.

Daisy Kemboi is consoled on Sept 9, 2015 by Jonathan Kirop, the assistant chief for Kapkondot Sub-Location in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, following the death of her daughter, Jepchumba Kemboi. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA

PROBLEM WITH VACCINES
The angry residents said they had known the medical personnel who administered the jab for years and added they suspected the problem might have been with the vaccines and not the health workers.

Ketut Location Chief James Sirmo Chesibar said police had a difficult time controlling a commotion caused by panicking and angry locals who thronged the local health facilities.

Seven other children who had been admitted to the St Benedictine Sisters' Chesong'och Health Centre were on Tuesday discharged after their condition stabilised.

Sister Benadete Nzuve, the medical administrator in charge of the centre where the children were taken, said measles vaccinations were vital for minors and called on the government to be quick in ascertaining the problem.

The vaccination drive has been called off in the county following the deaths.

Meanwhile, police arrested the health worker who administered the jab to save him from the an angry mob baying for his blood.

Sister Benadete Nzuve, the medical administrator in charge of the centre where the children were taken, said measles vaccinations were vital for minors and called on the government to be quick in ascertaining the problem.

CONFISCATED VACCINES
The police also confiscated the vaccines, which will be presented to authorities for transit to the Government Chemist for analysis.

The Elgeyo-Marakwet County executive in charge of health and medical services, Mr Thomas Ruto, confirmed the vaccines were in police custody.

“We believe they are in good condition so that (they) can be taken for proper analysis to establish the real cause of the problem that led to the unfortunate incident,” said Mr Ruto.

Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos, who spoke at his office in Iten Town on Tuesday, said the officers in charge of administering the vaccine were professionals and not quacks as people might suspect.

“I appeal for patience as the probe and post-mortem (examinations were) done to establish the real cause of the deaths.

“Let’s not engage in (a) blame game for now,” said the governor.