KERICHO, KENYA – January 21, 2025 – In a concerning incident that has caught the attention of both local and national health officials, more than 70 individuals have been hospitalized following the consumption of contaminated mursik, a traditional fermented milk drink popular among the Kalenjin community. The event occurred during a church graduation ceremony in the villages of Kabianga and Masaita, within Londiani East Constituency.
The victims, including a significant number of children, began experiencing severe symptoms shortly after the consumption, which included abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. They were quickly rushed to Londiani Sub-County Hospital, where medical staff confirmed the cases as food poisoning.
Dr. Gilbert Cheruiyot, the Medical Superintendent at Kapkatet Sub-county Hospital, described the situation as critical but under control, stating, “The patients were brought in with clear signs of dehydration. We’ve administered fluids and intravenous medications, and they are currently out of immediate danger, although we are still awaiting laboratory results from the stool samples to pinpoint the exact contaminant.”
The Kenya Dairy Board, in collaboration with local public health officers, has initiated an investigation into the contamination source. Mursik, known for its unique preparation method involving fermentation in a gourd lined with ash from specific plants, has not been linked to such widespread sickness before. This has led to speculation over whether the traditional preparation was bypassed or if there was an accidental introduction of harmful bacteria or other contaminants.
Local leaders are urging the community to remain calm while emphasizing the importance of adhering to traditional and safe food preparation methods. “We must ensure that our cultural practices do not endanger our health. This incident is a wake-up call for better oversight in traditional food preparation,” said a community leader from Kericho.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the safety of traditional foods in modern contexts, with calls for more public education on food safety, especially in rural settings where traditional methods are still widely practiced. The Kenya Dairy Board has announced plans to conduct workshops on safe milk handling and fermentation techniques in response to this event.
As the investigation continues, health officials have advised the public to be cautious with food consumption, particularly at communal gatherings where food is shared. The community awaits further updates on the health of the victims, with hopes that this incident will lead to improvements in food safety standards across Kenya’s rural areas.
