A distressing incident unfolded in Athi River, Machakos County, where 59 pupils from Kanaani Integrated Primary and Junior School were hospitalized after consuming poisonous wild fruits.
The incident occurred during the pupils’ lunchtime on Tuesday, February 13.
A section of Grade 2 pupils experienced stomachaches and began vomiting after picking and eating fruits from an unknown tree behind their classroom.
The school’s head teacher, David Sangare in response reported the suspected poisoning to Athi River police station.
Details of the incident
Athi River South subcounty police commander, Jos Mudavadi, while confirming the incident said a police team, led by Athi River OCS, swiftly responded to the scene.
The affected children were promptly taken to Athi River Level 4 Hospital for medical attention.
Machakos Health executive Daniel Yumbya, Athi River MCA Jeremiah Kaloi, and area assistant chief Martin Ngomo are among the leaders that visited the hospital to assess the situation.
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Yumbya said they received reports of the incident at around 3.30 pm on Tuesday, February 13.
“We received information that there were pupils from Kanaani Integrated Primary and Junior School in Athi River who had signs of vomiting and stomachache after eating unknown wild fruits.
“We mobilized and sent ambulances which together with police rushed the victims to Athi River Level 4 hospital,” Yumbya said.
He also revealed that the hospital admitted the affected students in two groups. The initial batch consisted of 24 pupils, followed by another 27.
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Treatment of the 51 pupils at Athi River Level 4 Hospital
In total, the medical facility received 51 students.
Of these, 22 exhibited severe symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea, while the remaining 37 had milder symptoms.
“We received 24 pupils in the first batch and later 27 others. As of now, we have received 51 pupils at the facility,” said the Machakos health executive.
Yumbya also revealed that 27 doctors and nurses were mobilized to attend to the patients, administering intravenous (IV) injections, isthmians orals, and zinc.
He further emphasized that the hospital had been supplied with sufficient medication and had enough medics to attend to the admitted patients.
Also, he disclosed that 43 pupils who were in stable condition were discharged, while eight remained admitted.
Machakos Leaders Remarks on the Incident
Governor Wavinya Ndeti expressed apologies to the affected pupils and ordered a waiver on their medical bills, ensuring they received treatment free of charge.
“Governor Wavinya Ndeti has said sorry to the affected pupils. She has ordered a waiver on all the affected children’s medical bills. They have been treated and given drugs free of charge,” Yumbya said.
MCA Jeremiah Kaloi commended the prompt response of the police and county government, saving lives in what he termed an accidental incident.
He reassured parents, urging them not to panic, as their children were out of danger.
Parents had anxiously gathered at the hospital, seeking information about their children.
Governor Ndeti’s commitment to upholding high standards of healthcare was acknowledged, as well as the speedy and effective communication done by the school head teacher during the incident.
