Several worshippers of ACK Mukandu-ini church in Kanyekiine ward, Kirinyaga county, have been hospitalized after feasting on foul cow meat they slaughtered on Sunday.
According to county public health officers, over 100 people are hospitalized in county government hospitals and others in private hospitals at Kagio and Kerugoya.
Jefithah Mutemi, who is recuperating at Kiaga health centre, recounted how they slaughtered a bull on Sunday for celebrations, and some worshippers started seeking medical attention on Monday.
“I have brought my wife and my two grandchildren here to seek medical attention as we are not feeling well,” Mutemi noted.
Saran Njiraini added that she suffered a severe headache, and felt weak in her joints, while all her children started diarrhea and took them to hospital where they are in stable condition.
Moses Nyaga said he could not understand what went wrong as the meat was inspected by the local veterinary officer.
“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.’ Nyaga said.
Over 40 worshippers of Mukanduini ACK flocked Kiaga Health Centre on Tuesday evening, seeking medical attention as some were writhing in pain.
Public health officers intervened and called for an ambulance where three were rushed to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital.
The faithful suspect the bull was sick, others suspect that the maize they used to cook ugali had aflatoxin.
“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,” Phillis Nyaga said.
Kirinyaga’s deputy Public Health Officer Peter Irungu has noted that public health officers will ensure all people believed to have consumed the meat seek medical attention.
