Several people at Kirindo village in Tigania Central Sub-county, Meru County were taken to hospital after feasting on meat suspected to have been contaminated.
According to the area residents a total of 96 people from the village were forced to seek medical attention from the nearest Mikinduri Sub-county hospital after consuming the meat.
Some of the affected residents said a cow died in the village and the owner decided to have it slaughtered and neighbours decided to share it.
The affected residents recounted how the animal had received treatment it died after a few hours Tuesday, before the residents decided to feast on the meat.
Joseph Gikundi, a victim together with his entire family, said that those who feasted on the meat started complaining of stomach upsets followed by diarrhoea and vomiting after consuming the meat from the cow that had been infected by unknown disease.
“So far five people have been admitted at Mikinduri Sub-county hospital and the ones who were discharged are getting well, including my children and I,” Gikundi said after being treated and discharged.
Gikundi who is a father of five and a miraa farmer urged residents to ensure they consume meat that has been inspected, especially during this festive season when most families prefer meat in their meals.
Area village manager, Samuel Mugambi, confirmed the incident, saying he received a phone call one of his residents informing him how the whole of his family was feeling unwell.
“I rushed to the home of the caller and found out that the family had feasted on meat from the neighborhood. On interrogation, I found out that the meat had been sourced from one of the neighbors where a sick cow had been slaughtered,” said Mugambi.
The village manager said he took the initiative of informing all people who had feasted on the meat to visit the nearest Mikinduri Sub-county hospital for examination where 96 residents turned up.
By Richard Muhambe and Davis Michubu
