BY STEPHEN KILONZI
A 14-year-old boy died and six others were hospitalized following suspected food poisoning in Kiritiri, Mbeere South subcounty Embu County, after consuming leftover food from a social event.
According to Embu County Chief Officer for Public Health, Henry Nthiga, the victims had attended a community gathering in Mavuria Ward on Saturday where food was served in large quantities.
After the event, several attendees took leftover food home, which they consumed cold the following day.
“None of it was warmed. They ate the leftovers on Sunday as it was. That is where the danger began,” Nthiga said.
Hours after eating, the victims began experiencing severe diarrhea and other symptoms of acute food poisoning.
The family delayed seeking medical attention until Monday, by which time the teenager’s condition had deteriorated. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Kiritiri Level 3 Hospital.
Six others, including both children and adults, were admitted to the same facility. Health officials have confirmed that all are now in stable condition.
Public health teams responded immediately, disinfecting the affected home and launching an investigation to determine the source of contamination.
“This is a wake-up call. Reheat your food. Boil your water. And above all, involve public health officers when planning events where food will be served. These are avoidable deaths,” Nthiga emphasized.
The incident has left the Kiritiri community in shock and sparked renewed concern over food safety practices at public functions.
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