Tragedy struck a family in the Ekerenyo area of Nyamira County when a six-year-old boy lost his life due to consuming poisonous cassava. This unfortunate incident also led to the hospitalization of five other family members.
As per the police report, the family, comprising parents and four children aged 16, 12, 8, and 6, had consumed the cassava during lunchtime. Soon after, they began experiencing severe symptoms including stomach aches, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Prompt action from neighbors saw them being rushed to Ekerenyo Hospital for initial treatment. Subsequently, they were transferred to Nyamira General Hospital for more extensive medical attention.
Tragically, the youngest child succumbed to the effects of the poisonous cassava while undergoing treatment at Nyamira Hospital. The parents and one of their children were treated and later discharged, but another child remained in critical condition.
In response to the incident, the police visited the family’s residence, gathered samples of both cooked and uncooked cassava, and launched an investigation into the matter to ascertain the cause of poisoning.
