A family in Mbai farm, Kiminini Constituency, Trans Nzoia County has been thrown into mourning following the death of their 12-year-old daughter.
The girl died on Sunday, March 23, 2025, after allegedly consuming beef on Thursday last week.
Seven other children who also consumed the dangerous delicacy are recuperating at Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kitale town.
When did Trans Nzoia families eat bad meat?
Mary Wafula, the mother of the deceased girl said they received the uninspected beef from their neighbour on Thursday and later prepared it for dinner.
They later complained of serious stomachache, diarrhoea and vomiting which prompted them to seek medical attention.
“Our neighbour’s son offered us a piece of meat which I gladly accepted because my children were interested in it. They prepared beef for lunch on Friday, consumed it and later complained. I gave them some painkillers on Saturday with a plan to take them for medication on Sunday unfortunately I have lost my daughter,” she said.
Patrick Wafula, the victim’s father, said his children started complaining of stomach pains while others vomited, a move that led to the loss of their daughter. Mr. Wafula stated that the meat had some unpleasant taste.
“Four of our children are under medication. We tried to save our daughter but it was too late. Actually, I developed some stomach pains after consuming the meat. The meat had some unusual taste,” Wafula stated.
Jackline Nanjala’s two-year old child is part of the seven children who are on medication.
“I learnt that this is a serious matter after hearing the news that our neighbour’s daughter is no more. My child who ate the meat has been complaining also but she is being attended and is in stable condition,” she said.
Trans Nzoia public health officers launch probe
Mary Mukhwana, the village elder said that public health officers have launched investigations to establish the condition that the cow was suffering from.
“While we urge anybody who ate the dangerous meat to come out so that they can be treated, I want to confirm that investigations are ongoing,” Mukhwana stated.
James Mabonga a neighbour said at least four families consumed the meat.
“We are still in shock and disbelief because it never crossed our minds that such a thing can happen in our area. Thorough inspection of the meat should be conducted so that we know the truth,” he argued.
It is suspected that either the cow might have died from anthrax, or the meat was contaminated in the process of slaughtering.
