Kakamega
By Richard Milimu
A family in Malava, Kakamega County is mourning the death of their kin who died after taking traditional medicine that was meant to heal his running stomach.
Geophrey Luvonga aged 40, and 5 of his children are reported to have taken the herbal medicine after they complained of serious stomach pains and rumbles.
They are reported to have received the herbs from their neighbour Beatrice Lukasili who instructed them to take the drugs upon eating.
According to the deceased wife Jackline Luvonga, his children and their dad were reported to have taken the boiled “kienyeji” medicine before eating. Moments later the six began to vomit blood prompting the wife rush them to Malava hospital.
“They complained of stomach pains and bled profusely after drinking the medicine.”
“I rushed them Malava where my husband was pronounced dead on arrival while my children are battling for their lives,” said the wife.
According to the wife the husband resorted to traditional medicine for lack of money for treatment.
Confirming the incident Malava sub county commander Peter Mwanzo warned locals not to use unauthorised medicine.
He urged the public to remain vigilant on the drugs they use whenever they are sick to avoid falling prey of unscrupulous medicine women.
“It is very unfortunate to loose lives in such a careless manner, people should go to the hospitals whenever they are sick,” said Mwanzo.
Nominated senator Naomi Shionga condemned the act of using traditional medicine.
She urged the government to facilitate treatment of the citizens freely especially during the corona pandemic period where locals are suffering the brunt of hard economic times caused by the virus.
“This family resorted to kienyeji medicine because they lacked money for treatment,” said Shiyonga.
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