Two people died and 60 others were admitted to hospitals following suspected food poisoning during a church service in Luanda town, Vihiga county, on Sunday.
Three of those admitted to Emuhaya subcounty hospital, Coptic and Equator hospitals were in critical condition.
The victims complained of stomach pains, headache and diarrhoea.
Relatives of those admitted swarmed the hospitals keen to know what caused the suspected poisoning.
Vihiga County Director of Health Benjamin Induswe said 20 of the victims had been stabilised and confirmed the two deaths.
He said tests had been done on the first batch but the results were inconclusive.
“We have requested equipment for microbiological tests to see what is affecting our patients,” Induswe said.
“Most of them are complaining of stomach pains and diarrhearing as well.”
Security agents visited the church where the incident happened to assess the situation.
Those admitted started complaining of stomachaches on Monday morning.
The condition was linked to the church funds drive attended by all the affected. Medics at the hospital said samples of the food they ate would be taken to the Government Chemist for analysis.
Luanda MP Dick Maungu said he was saddened by the incident in his constituency and wished those affected quick recovery.
“We urge members of the public, our coordinators and CHPs to assist those still at home and report the issue to relevant health facilities for assistance,” Maungu said in a statement.
He urged security personnel and public health officers to carry out investigations into the matter.
“We urge the general public to
be vigilant, especially during this
December festive season,” he said.
