Over 100 worshippers from ACK Mukandu-ini Church in Kanyekiine ward, Kirinyaga County, have been hospitalized following a suspected case of food poisoning linked to contaminated meat consumed during a church celebration on Sunday.
According to Kirinyaga County public health officers, the affected individuals are currently receiving treatment in various health facilities, including county hospitals and private institutions such as Kagio Nursing Home and Kerugoya County Referral Hospital. The mass illness has sparked concern among local residents and health authorities.
Jefithah Mutemi, one of the victims recuperating at Kiaga Health Centre, recounted how a bull was slaughtered for the Sunday feast. By Monday, several worshippers began exhibiting symptoms of poisoning, including diarrhea, severe headaches, vomiting, and fatigue. “I have brought my wife and my two grandchildren here to seek medical attention as we are not feeling well,” said Mutemi.
Another affected worshipper, Saran Njiraini, shared her experience, saying she suffered a pounding headache and weakness in her joints, while her children experienced severe diarrhea. “We rushed them to hospital and thankfully they are now in stable condition,” she noted.
The source of the illness remains under investigation, though suspicions are rife among the congregation. While some believe the bull may have been ill, others suspect that the maize flour used to prepare ugali during the event could have been contaminated with aflatoxins. Phillis Nyaga, another worshipper, said, “We took the maize from the church to the local mill. I wonder if it was affected by aflatoxin.”
Despite claims that the meat was inspected by a local veterinary officer, public health officials have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the cause of the mass poisoning.
Kirinyaga’s Deputy Public Health Officer, Peter Irungu, has urged all individuals who consumed the meat or attended the celebration to report to the nearest health facility for screening and treatment. “Our teams are on the ground to ensure everyone affected receives the necessary medical attention,” he said.
This incident has prompted health authorities to review food safety protocols for public gatherings to prevent future outbreaks.
