5-Year-Old Dies, 13 Hospitalised After Eating Suspected Poisonous Meat in Bungoma

The victims reportedly ate meat from a cow that had died on Tuesday. Soon after the meal, they began experiencing severe symptoms: stomach pains, headaches, diarrhoea, and vomiting.

Health officials confirmed that the group sought treatment at Kimilili Sub-County Hospital. Among the hospitalized are two adults and seven children (with ages for the remaining four not detailed). One patient has since been treated and discharged, while the other 12 remain admitted but are responding well to medication and are considered out of immediate danger.

Nursing Officer in Charge Grace Wanjala provided details: "We received information that the victims ate beef, and our officer who visited the scene reported that five of them needed to be admitted, while seven others joined later. Two adults and seven children. So far, they are receiving medication and are out of danger. We had information that one had already succumbed by the time our officer arrived."

Authorities have issued a strong warning to residents: avoid eating any meat that has not been properly inspected and certified safe by public health officers, as uninspected or improperly handled meat poses serious health risks, including potential food poisoning or contamination-related illnesses.

The case underscores ongoing concerns in rural areas about consuming meat from animals that die of unknown causes, a practice that can lead to outbreaks of illness when proper veterinary checks are bypassed. Investigations into the exact cause of the contamination continue, with health teams monitoring the affected individuals closely for full recovery.