UPDATE: As of 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 19, at least 163 people, including children, were confirmed hospitalized after consuming contaminated milk (Mursik) in Lel Sotet, Masaita, and Kabianga areas of Kipkelion East, Kericho County.
Over 70 people have been hospitalised in Kericho County following a food poisoning incident believed to be a result of the consumption of contaminated locally fermented milk, commonly known as Mursik, according to authorities.
The 73 people, including children from Masaita villages of Kericho County, are reported to have consumed the contaminated milk while attending a church graduation ceremony.
They were rushed to the Londiani Sub County Hospital where they are currently undergoing treatment.
Hospital officials reported that this was not the first incident of food poisoning they had encountered, as they had treated a similar case just a few weeks ago.
Local leaders and officials from Kenya Red Cross responding to victims during a recent incident at Londiani Hospital in Kericho County.
Joseph Cherorot
”They came with food poisoning and most of the affected were women. Among them were old men and women and children. This is the second time we are receiving a similar incident,” Maureen Chepkoech, a nurse at the facility, stated.
They are said to have presented vomiting and diarrhoea symptoms immediately after consuming the milk that was supplied by a well-known vendor from the village.
Local authorities are currently investigating the matter even as they urged the villagers to embrace the need for safe consumption of Mursik.
Nine children who are among the affected are reported to have been affected with severe dehydration.
Victims who spoke to the media at the hospital following the incident revealed that they began experiencing pain and sudden vomiting, quickly realising they were suffering from food poisoning.
”We are vomiting with very painful joints at the same time. We are thankful to God because am seeing that things would have taken a worse turn,” a male victim narrated.
”We have aged people, including the aged and young children who were more affected by the unfortunate incident,” he added.
”I have two children in the other ward and their father is also admitted here and since my admission, I have not been able to go check on them,” Betty Kirui, another victim, added.
Cases of food poisoning from Mursik consumption have been a persistent issue for medical authorities in the greater Rift Valley region, where the locally fermented milk is commonly consumed.
This issue is especially concerning due to the way Mursik is prepared, often bypassing crucial health and safety standards.
In 2020, 20 people, including 8 children, were hospitalized after consuming contaminated Mursik in Mt. Elgon, Bungoma.
Mursik is traditionally prepared by fermenting raw milk in a gourd or a calabash container, often without adhering to strict hygiene standards. The milk is usually fermented for several hours or days, depending on the desired sourness. In some cases, it is mixed with herbs or ash from specific plants to enhance its flavour and preserve it.
President William Ruto served a cup of mursik by Mama Chepkoskei of Kurgung, Nandi County after witnessing her home get connected to electricity on December 3, 2016.
PCS