A 28-year-old man has been admitted at the Kerugoya Referral hospital after allegedly consuming poisonous alcohol at a village in Kamunyange sub-location, Kirinyaga County.
Julius Munene is alleged to have lost his sight after imbibing at a local joint while in the company of a few friends.
Mwea-east sub-county police commander Daniel Kitavi confirmed the incident.
“The victim was drinking with two other people at this den – but only he showed signs of illness prompting Good Samaritans to rush him to hospital,” noted Kitavi.
“Our detectives have launched investigations, and two men are currently being held at the Wang’uru police station,” Kitavi said.
The victim’s aunt, Sicily Wambui, said that she received a call from a family member informing her that her nephew had turned blind after consuming alcohol.
“I took him to Kimbimbi sub-county hospital before he was transferred to Kerugoya Referral hospital where he is currently admitted. I am praying that all goes well,” Wambui said.
Residents have raised concerns over rising cases of alcoholism among young men in the area.
The residents now want the local administration to enforce measures against illicit brewers in the area.
Residents told Wananchi Reporting that this is the second incident in two weeks alone. Just last week, two men aged 49 and 45 years reportedly lost their eyesight after consuming poisonous alcohol.
One person, identified as Joseph Kariuki 49, would later die at the Kerugoya hospital. A fresh grave with an epitaph bearing his name tells the story.
“I lost my father to alcohol, poisonous alcohol. As a family we want justice. We want brewers who sell deadly drinks to be arrested, and prosecuted,” says Kariuki’s son, Eric Chomba.
According to the police, samples of the illicit drink have been taken to the government chemist for analysis – even as the police continue with their investigations.
