Five die in Naivasha after taking toxic alcohol

By Nation Reporter

Limuru Inspector Anthony Ndungu (in brown jacket) and other plain clothes officers load five people arrested for possession of illicit alcohol and drugs in Limuru at the Limuru police post. Five people died Friday night and 11 more were hospitalised after consuming lethal alcohol at Flyover in Naivasha. PHOTO/ANNE MACHARIA 

Five people died Friday night and 11 more were hospitalised following the consumption of lethal alcohol at Flyover in Naivasha.

The five died at Naivasha district hospital where the survivors are still admitted, the hospital's medical superintendent Joseph Nguru confirmed.

Elsewhere in Kiambu County, three people became blind after consuming illicit brews on Friday while seven more are admitted at the Kiambu district hospital.

The county has experienced more than 10 deaths in the last few days over the consumption of illicit alcohol which has killed more than 80 people in six counties.

More than 200 survivors are still admitted to hospitals in Nairobi, Kitui, Makueni, Embu, Kiambu and Murang’a counties.

The country has been on the high alert over the tragedies caused by the killer drinks whose samples have laced with methanol.

M/S Comrade Investments, a firm manufacturing Countryman and Sacramento Cane Spirit liquor brands, which are responsible for some of the deaths, was closed Thursday.

Sacramento and Countryman were identified as being behind the deaths in Makueni, Kitui, Murang’a, Kiambu and Embu.

Fifty two public officers, including two CEOs, a deputy county commissioner, OCPDs and heads of intelligence were interdicted on Thursday in connection with the deaths.

The government has also cancelled all licences of the manufacturers, distributors and sellers of second generation brews and gave those who wish to continue with the business 48 hours to re-apply.