Five more people have died after consuming an illicit brew in Kirinyaga, raising the number of those who died from the incident to 13.

According to official reports, six members of the same family from Kangai village, Mwea East, Kirinyaga county. He died two days ago after consuming an illicit brew in the area. Several others were left blind.

PHOTO | COURTESY the victims

"We have other reports that we got from relatives and family members that we are yet to confirm, they are saying they lost five other relatives who had consumed the illicit brew," he said.

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"There was a case that was referred to Kerugoya County referral hospital, but it could not be managed, and we have reported that that patient died on arrival at the facility," said Kerugoya County Health CEC George Karoki 


PHOTO | COURTESY police destroying illicit brew

According to Karoki, the victims' symptoms, including impaired vision, are comparable with prior incidents of ethanol abuse.

"We suspect this illicit brew had ethanol because of the signs and symptoms that they exhibited; it showed that they had blurred vision and could not see well," Karoki told the media.

"This type of chemical can cause liver cirrhosis and other nervous system problems, including that sign where they cannot see well."

Angry residents in Kirinyaga country later burned down a liquor store that is suspected to have sold the illicit brew that left five members of the same family dead.