The number of victims who have succumbed to a cholera outbreak in Kilgoris, Narok County, rose to five on Monday as health authorities banned food hawking to contain the spread of the disease.
As health authorities stepped up surveillance in the affected areas, 20 eateries were closed down by the public health department in a bid to contain the outbreak.
Public Health Chief Officer Lucy Kashu and County Director for Health Francis Kioo confirmed that the number of deaths had risen to five as of Monday.
"A total of 45 people have so far been affected by the cholera outbreak, five have died, 21 have been discharged and 19 are still admitted in various conditions," Ms Kashu said at a press briefing at the Transmara West sub-County hospital.
The public health department has inspected 50 hotels and eateries in Kilgoris town and closed 20 that did not meet the set hygiene standards in an ongoing exercise.
"The affected areas are three civic wards in Kilgoris and Transmara West, with residential areas being - Majengo, Migingo, Milimani, Complex, Kibera, KCC, Olosentu, ACK, Endonyo Oonkopit, Oldonya Oshara, Olalui, Olta ki, Maranatha, among others," Ms Kashu stated.
Dr Samwel Misoi, the Transmara West sub-County Hospital medical superintendent, confirmed that the patients were responding well to treatment.
A cholera poster pinned at a public spot in Kilgoris town, Narok County, following a outbreak in this photo taken on October 6, 2025.
Photo credit: Vitalis Kimutai | Nation
Joseph Omwenga, a 60-year-old carpenter, was the latest victim who died as a result of the outbreak. The names of the other victims had not been released by press time.
The father of seven children, who hails from Manga area in Nyamira County, was admitted to hospital on Thursday and succumbed on Sunday night, according to family members.
"My husband died at midnight on Sunday as a result of cholera, having been admitted for four days, where he was in a critical condition," Ms Esther Omwenga, the widow, told Nation in an interview at their family home in Migingo Estate.
"We are devastated by the loss and we do not know where to start with funeral arrangements, let alone the fact that our breadwinner is no more," a grieving Ms Omwenga stated.
It is suspected that the holera outbreak was caused by contaminated foodstuffs and water from local rivers, which the residents consume in a raw form.
Mzee David Konchela, a resident, said there was a need for the county government to set a good example by providing the residents with waste bins and setting up a proper dumpsite.
The waste disposal is a major issue in the town with water in two streams running through it exposed to contamination, but residents utilise the resource for domestic use.
"We cannot continue like this for years without response from the county government that is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the well-being of the residents is guaranteed," Mr Konchela said.
"The government should deal with public health menace in Kilgoris with waste dumped in the town centre and the roadsides, then washed downstream," he added.
Ms Hellen Kenteiya, a resident, said it was unfortunate that people are dying due to contamination of foodstuffs and drinking water in the area.
"Had the county government handled the public health issues, we would not be talking about hospital admissions and deaths," Ms Kenteiya said.
Hundreds of residents said jammed the hospital to check on their loved ones even as health officials kept them at bay to avoid further spread.
Patients and their relatives, visitors and officers were required to wash their hands, sanitiser and avoid handshakes at the hospital.
Ms Lucy Kashu (centre), Narok County Chief Officer for public health, flagged by other officers during a press briefing at the Transmara West Hospital in Kilgoris, on October 6, 2025.
Photo credit: Vitalis Kimutai | Nation
Public health officers were deployed to the Kilgoris main market on Monday to ensure high hygiene standards were maintained.
The Kenya Red Cross donated medical supplies, water treatment chemicals, and sanitation items to support the fight against the cholera outbreak.
“Cholera spreads fast in areas with poor sanitation and unsafe water. We urge residents to maintain high hygiene standards, treat drinking water, and seek immediate medical care if they experience symptoms,” Ms Kashu further said.
The county health department has appealed for public cooperation as it scales up emergency response, risk communication, and laboratory support in coordination with the national Ministry of Health and other partners.
The officials have asked locals to report any suspected incidents related to diarrhoea and vomiting to authorities.
"Should anyone experience symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting, they should rush to the nearby health facility and report," said Kashu.
