Two children die in suspected food poisoning in Kisumu

Two children have died after eating rice suspected to have been poisoned.

The children were part of a family of nine that ate the rice on Tuesday.

The other seven are in critical condition.

The first child died on Tuesday while the second, Dickens Omondi, 11, died Wednesday at home.

Ms Beatrice Auma, the mother of the two children, said the food was prepared at a neighbour’s home during a funeral.

“We ate the rice in the morning and soon after, the children complained of stomach pains,” she said.

“One of the boys was taken to the hospital where he died. Dickens was found dead in the house yesterday, foaming at the mouth,” she said.

A neighbour, Ms Gladys Wandiega, and her three children who also ate the rice, are in critical condition at Kisumu County Hospital.

The children’s grandparents, who were ate the rice in the morning, are fighting for their lives.

Mr Kevin Amimo, who was discharged yesterday, said: “Those who did not take the meal are ok.

"This is what made us suspect that it was the cooked rice that caused the problem,”

His father escaped narrowly as he was late for work and therefore he did not take breakfast.

The samples of the food were taken for analysis.

The family confirmed that they have not heard a word from the neighbour from whose home the rice was sourced.

Kisumu County Hospital Superintendent Amos Otedo said the rest of the family of nine were in stable condition.