About 180 residents of Gathaithi village in Kahuro subcounty, Murang’a, have tested positive for food poisoning after eating uninspected beef.
Victim Eric Mukungu said villagerMwangi Gatare slaughtered a cow on Saturday and sold the meat for Sh200 a kilogramme.
Many residents preferred it because it was cheap and they ignored health risks.
On Wednesday, villagers started flooding
Muriranjas Hospital, all complaining of severe pain.
There were initial fears they were suffering from anthrax.
Kairo Kimende, who is in charge of the facility, said though the patients exhibited symptoms similar to those of anthrax.
However, tests revealed they were suffering from severe food poisoning.
“We took samples from the patients that have indicated that they are only suffering from bacterial food poisoning,” he added.
The residents were screened and discharged. Two were admitted to Kiria-Ini Mission Hospital after suffering from severe headache and stomach pains.
After having a meal with his family later in the day, Mukungu started suffering from diarrhoea and stomach ache.
“Most of us who fell sick decided to wait and see if the symptoms would subside, but they kept getting worse,” he said.
His wife and child were also infected. They were treated and discharged.
Gatare, who sold the suspect meat, is said to have gone missing.
Kimende said combined efforts of the community and health workers ensured all victims were screened and treated.
The veterinary department took samples of meat for testing.
County director of Public Health John Mwaniki said a team of public health officers have been dispatched to the village to establish what happened.
He added that only meat inspectors certified by the Public Health department are allowed to inspect meat.
Mwaniki cautioned residents against buying meat from uncertified sellers.
This is the only way they can avoid risking their lives, he said.
Mwaniki told butcheries to seek services from qualified livestock handlers.
“People should not eat meat that they suspect to be uninspected because it may be from a sick
livestock
and its consumption may cause death,” he said.