Webuye, Kenya – Fear has gripped residents of Bunjosi village in Misikhu Ward, Webuye West Constituency, Bungoma County, after 25 individuals were hospitalized following the consumption of suspected contaminated milk.
The affected persons are currently receiving treatment at Webuye County Hospital and Bokoli Sub-County Hospital. According to health officials, 20 of the victims were admitted to Webuye County Hospital, while five others were taken to Bokoli. All patients are reported to be in stable condition.
Speaking to Prime Africa News on Monday at Webuye County Hospital, Moses Wafula, a family spokesperson, detailed the events that led to the health scare. Wafula explained that the milk in question came from a family-owned cow that had recently fallen ill and undergone treatment. The milk was later fermented into mala (sour milk) and distributed to five households within the extended family three days later.
“Shortly after consuming the mala, everyone started experiencing severe symptoms like headaches, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, and extreme body weakness,” said Wafula. “This incident has shocked us. Having over 20 family members hospitalized at once is overwhelming. We are urging government health agencies to intervene, test the milk and help us understand what went wrong.”
One of the hospitalized victims, Willy Wanjala, spoke from his hospital bed, saying that while he is slowly recovering, he remains deeply worried about the growing medical costs.
“I am admitted here with my entire family. This incident caught us off guard, and the hospital bills might become unmanageable. I appeal to local leaders and well-wishers to support us financially so we can continue with our treatment,” he pleaded.
A healthcare provider at Webuye County Hospital, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the symptoms displayed by the victims were consistent with food poisoning, likely caused by the consumption of contaminated milk. The provider noted that all patients are now out of danger and responding well to treatment.
Local authorities and public health officials have yet to issue an official statement, but investigations into the source and nature of the contamination are expected to begin immediately.
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