The government is investigating the source and dealers in a toxic alcohol that claimed five lives in Oldonyiro Ward, Isiolo County on Sunday.
An acting chief officer for health in Isiolo County government Mr. Peter Ngechu said investigations were underway to establish the source and the content of the killer liquor that affected residents of Oldonyiro and Kipsing markets.
He said three of the victims are undergoing treatment at Oldonyiro and Kipsing health centres adding that Isiolo and Samburu security teams have been alerted on the presence of the alcoholic drinks danger so that they can comb the area and prevent distribution of the killer-liquor.
He said that a 55-year-old woman who was alleged to have bought and distributed the liquor to other trading centres was one of those who succumbed to effects of the toxic alcohol.
The County Director of Public Health Mr. Guracha Sarite Kikuyu said a team of health officials was dispatched to the aid of the affected residents who are said to have complained of epigastria pain, vomiting, dizziness and loss of sight after taking the alcohol.
The dead were found to have suffered from excessive intake of ethanol in the suspect alcoholic drink, Mr. Kikuyu said.
He added that ethanol affects optic nerves leading to poor brain coordination which could even cause death.
He appealed to any member of the public who may have consumed the alcohol to promptly present themselves to health facilities near them so as to contain the situation.