Audio By Carbonatix
Poisonous moonshine has killed at least 17 people and blinded a dozen more in Kenya's largest slum.
Police said the home-distilled drink may have contained traces of methanol.
Many of those who died were found in their homes in the Nairobi slum of Kibera. Some were taken to hospital but died after arriving there.
Alcohol-related deaths are common in Kenya, with hundreds of people dying every year from poisoned liquor often sold in the brewer's home.
Home choice
A woman accused of distilling the moonshine, known locally as changaa, was arrested and is now being questioned, police said.
Samples of the liquid have been sent for tests, they added.
Authorities want to know if the poisonous chemicals in the drink were created by accident in the distilling process or were added deliberately - possibly to make the batch go further.
In a country where most people are too poor to afford legally made alcoholic drinks, changaa is the beverage of choice for thousands of Kenyans, says the BBC's Peter Greste in Nairobi.
The drink, brewed in illicit stills in slums and backyards everywhere, is often spiked with toxic additives to make it stronger, our correspondent says.
Medical officials say the number of victims of the latest batch could yet rise.
Source: BBC
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Tragedy at Senchi: Two crushed to death as tipper truck somersaults near market
14 minutes -
Government to unveil “The New Economy” Programme in 2027 Budget
25 minutes -
GIZ, Zoomlion and Blue Skies launch InnoWaste Project to create jobs and tackle plastic waste in Ghana
42 minutes -
‘The emotional journey is difficult, but you don’t stop’ – Antoine Semenyo’s mother on diaspora struggle
47 minutes -
‘Football in Ghana is about blood and legacy’ – Antoine Semenyo’s mother urges diaspora parents
57 minutes -
QNET, Manchester City bring world-class football coaching to Ghana’s young talent
58 minutes -
Emma Ankrah: Between quiet questions and the will to continue
1 hour -
Ghana’s economy shows strong recovery after “inherited crisis” – Ato Forson tells Parliament
1 hour -
No further IMF financial bailout will be required in the foreseeable future – Finance Minister
1 hour -
Learning from Ukraine, Hezbollah is now using fibre-optic drones to hit Israel
1 hour -
Teenager arrested at Senya Beraku for alleged defilement of 15-year-old girl
1 hour -
Ghana has moved from IMF ‘supplicant’ to partner – Ato Forson declares as economy surges past $100 Billion
1 hour -
“Ghana has moved from ICU to wellness center” — Finance Minister declares economic recovery
1 hour -
Ato Forson highlights “turning point” in economic recovery strategy
2 hours -
NACSA Seminar: Gender Minister demands an increased role for women to end gun violence
2 hours