Editor's Review

  • According to the Kakamega County Health department, the eight victims complained of severe arm pains and had a similar wound on the forearm.

Residents of Isukha village, Kakamega County are living in panic after a strange disease invaded the area leaving 8 dead in a span of one month.

According to the Kakamega County Health department, the eight victims complained of severe arm pains and had a similar wound on the forearm.

The health department further notes that 22 people exhibiting the same symptoms are hospitalized in critical condition.

While the cause of the disease is yet to be established, some residents claim that victims started complaining of pain after consuming an allegedly stolen illicit brew.


An arm of one of the victims suffering from the strange disease. [Photo: Courtesy]

“Tunachunguza hawa watu wanakufa kwa nini…tukapata walikunywa pombe ya wenyewe,” a village elder said.

The elder’s remark was echoed by a resident named Patrick Ingosi who said he nearly died after consuming the said illicit brew.

“Nilikuwa kwa pombe huko chini… kufika nyumbani kichwa ilikuwa inauma. Joto mwilini naskia nguvu inakwisha ata karibu niende,” Ingosi said.

Meanwhile, a widow to one of the victims said her husband died barely 4 days after developing the symptoms.

 “Bwana yangu alianza kuugua mkono na hiyo kidonda ilianzia kwa kidole…siku nne tatu hiyo kidonda ikaanza kusambaa,” she said.

The Ministry of Health is currently investigating the illness, hoping to establish its cause and possible treatment to avert a calamity in the village.