Over 100 hospitalised after suspected food poisoning at Kirinyaga church feast
Kirinyaga County Deputy Public Health Officer Peter Irungu said his team was working to identify everyone who consumed the meat and ensure they receive medical help.
A joyful church celebration in Kirinyaga County turned into a health emergency after over 100 worshippers were hospitalised with food poisoning symptoms.
The incident happened following a Sunday feast at ACK Mukandu-ini Church in Kanyekiine Ward, where a cow was slaughtered for the congregation.
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According to public health officials, many of those affected were taken to various hospitals, including government and private facilities in Kagio and Kerugoya.
Some of the worshippers experienced severe symptoms, prompting their families to rush them to health centres across the county.
Jefithah Mutemi, who is receiving treatment at Kiaga Health Centre, recalled how the illness began spreading shortly after the feast.
“I have brought my wife and my two grandchildren here to seek medical attention as we are not feeling well,” he told Citizen Digital.
Mutemi was not alone in the ordeal.
Saran Njiraini shared how she started feeling unwell after the celebration.
“I suffered a severe headache and felt weak in my joints. All my children started to have diarrhoea and I took them to the hospital, where they are in stable condition,” she said.
Health centre overwhelmed
The situation worsened by Tuesday evening, as Kiaga Health Centre was overwhelmed by over 40 congregants seeking urgent medical care. Some were reportedly in visible pain and discomfort, prompting emergency action by public health officers.
Three worshippers in more serious condition were rushed by ambulance to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital, where they continue to receive treatment.
Confusion and worry have gripped the community as the source of the food poisoning remains unclear.
Moses Nyaga, one of the affected congregants, expressed disbelief at the unfolding situation.
“We are being informed by the public health officers to inform all those people who feasted on the cow meat to visit the nearest health centre, and that is why I’m here at Kagio Nursing Home,” he said.
As reported by Citizen Digital, some congregants suspect the meat from the slaughtered bull could have been contaminated, despite it being reportedly inspected before the feast. Others believe the maize flour used to prepare ugali during the event might be to blame.
Phillis Nyaga said they had taken the maize from the church to a nearby mill for grinding, and it was later used to cook ugali for the celebration.
“We took the maize from the church to the local maize mill and used the flour to cook the ugali. I wonder whether the maize was affected by aflatoxin,” she said.
Closely monitoring situation
The case has drawn concern from health authorities, who are now closely monitoring the situation.
Kirinyaga County Deputy Public Health Officer Peter Irungu said his team was working to identify everyone who consumed the meat and ensure they receive medical help.
“Public health officers will ensure all people believed to have consumed the meat seek medical attention,” Irungu assured.
For many families, what started as a day of thanksgiving and fellowship has now turned into a time of anxiety and recovery.
As investigations continue into the source of the poisoning, residents have been urged to remain alert to symptoms and seek treatment immediately.
Local health centres continue to admit new cases as they arise, and public health officials are expected to release further information once the cause is confirmed.
For now, the community remains focused on caring for the sick and preventing further spread of illness.
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