Two dead, 50 hospitalised after suspected food poisoning at church function
Two people have died from suspected food poisoning while over 50 others are hospitalised after consuming rice and beans at a church in Luanda, Vihiga County.
Emuhaya Sub-County Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Martin Milimu said the two were rushed to the facility in critical condition but were pronounced dead on arrival.
He said the patients, who were at a fundraiser held at Paradiso PAG Church, are suspected to have consumed toxic food on Sunday but only sought treatment on Monday.
"We currently have 56 people admitted with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea, but they are currently in stable condition," said Dr Milimu.
Those affected included congregants drawn from 10 churches in Luanda and Emuhaya Sub-Counties.
According to Pastor Kennedy Kimiya, the chairman of the joint churches, the incident happened after the worshippers ate a meal prepared by a congregant who is currently detained by police.
"He cooked the meal on Saturday night and served the people who turned up to participate in the fundraiser," he said.
"Some members carried the food home and served their families," he added, saying six members of one family were admitted at Emuhaya Hospital.
Five priests from the church are also admitted after consuming the poisonous food.
