Five die in Kitui after consuming illicit brew

Five people died after consuming an illicit brew dubbed Countryman Beer at Kalitini village in Kitui County. Seven others were admitted to hospital in critical condition while 19 were treated at a nearby dispensary and discharged. GOOGLE MAPS.

What you need to know:

  • The dead included the owner of the bar and four villagers who were enjoying their drink with friends on Monday evening.
  • A sombre mood engulfed the sleepy Kalitini village in Athi Ward as medical personnel struggled to save lives amid poor health facilities in the area.
  • Ikutha District police boss Paul Kipkorir said detectives had collected samples of the killer brew dubbed Countryman Beer, further analysis

Five people died Monday and scores others were admitted to hospital after consuming an illicit brew at a remote village in Ikutha District, Kitui County.

Two died at the bar, one at his home while two more succumbed to stomach complications at Mutomo Mission Hospital where they had been referred.

According to Ikutha medical officer of health Lucia Jonah, seven other revellers are admitted in critical condition while 19 were treated at a nearby dispensary and discharged after their conditions stabilised.

“The victims we attended to complained of stomach pains but they are lucky as none of the survivors lost their eyesight,” Ms Jonah said.

BAR OWNER DEAD

The dead included the owner of the bar and four villagers who were enjoying their drink with friends on Monday evening.

A sombre mood engulfed the sleepy Kalitini village in Athi Ward as medical personnel struggled to save lives amid poor health facilities in the area.

An emergency medical response team led by Kitui County Minister for Public Health Ruth Koki rushed to the area and set up a first aid camp.

Ms Koki said reports of the tragedy reached medical authorities Tuesday morning, several hours after the brew began taking toll on the victims.

SAMPLES COLLECTED

Ikutha District police boss Paul Kipkorir said detectives had collected samples of the killer brew dubbed Countryman Beer, further analysis at the Government laboratories.

The brew was packaged in small plastic containers.

Mr Kipkorir however said his officers were yet to establish the source of the brew as the owner of the bar who could have shed more light on that had also died.

“We haven’t made any arrests so far. We are more concerned with saving lives first but unfortunately the person who procured the brew is among the dead” he told Nation.co.ke on phone.