By Tony Wafula, Bungoma
Fear has gripped residents of Bunjosi village in Misikhu Ward, Webuye West Constituency, Bungoma County, after 25 people were hospitalized following the consumption of suspected contaminated milk.
The affected individuals are currently receiving treatment at Webuye County Hospital and Bokoli Sub-County Hospital.
Twenty of the victims were admitted to Webuye County Hospital, while five others were taken to Bokoli, where they are reportedly in stable condition.
Speaking to the media on Monday at Webuye County Hospital, Moses Wafula, the family spokesperson, recounted the chain of events that led to the incident.
According to Wafula, a family owned cow that had fallen ill was treated and later milked by the brother, the milk was fermented into mala (sour milk) and, three days later, distributed to five different households within the extended family.
Shortly after consuming the sour milk (mala), all recipients reportedly began experiencing severe symptoms including headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pains and extreme body weakness.
“This incident has shocked us,” Wafula said.
“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,” he said.
One of the victims, Willy Wanjala, shared his experience from his hospital bed. He said he is slowly responding to treatment but remains concerned about the mounting medical expenses.
“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,” Wanjala pleaded.
A health provider at Webuye County Hospital, who requested not to be named, confirmed that 20 individuals had been received at the facility, all presenting symptoms consistent with food poisoning caused by suspected contaminated milk.
The provider added that the patients are now in stable condition and out of danger.
