Six are killed and several people go blind in Kirinyaga due to illicit brew

Six individuals have reportedly lost their lives, while five others have suffered blindness after allegedly consuming illicit liquor in Kirinyaga.

Kirinyaga Health CEC George Karoki revealed that based on the exhibited symptoms, it appears that the illicit brew contained ethanol.

“The type of symptoms and signs that are very exhibiting themselves from these particular patients have shown that they were having blurred vision, they could not see well,” he said.

Ethanol, upon consumption, can immediately damage the nervous system, including the optic nerves, leading to blurred vision and potential blindness. The chemical has the potential to cause inflammation, followed by the death of nervous system tissue, which may result in permanent damage and, in severe cases, death.

Karoki also emphasized that ethanol has the propensity to cause liver cirrhosis, a condition characterized by permanent scarring that impairs liver function.