18 people were on Tuesday admitted to the Kikuyu sub county hospital after consuming suspected infected meat at Ondiri.
Those admitted are said to have eaten the meat on Monday night after they bought it at a butcher in Ondiri.
Police are haunting for the owner of the butcher who escaped after news reached him that he was being pursued.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, sub county Deputy Public Health Officer in Kikuyu Alice Kinuthia said it was sad that some butchers preferred cheap meat whose consumption had not been approved for consumption.
She said such butchers were risking the lives of residents which is a serious offense.
Ms Kinuthia confirmed that the 18 were admitted after eating the meat.
She said butchers should have licenses to operate their business and some do not have but still sell the meat.
The public health officer asked all butchers in the region to buy meat from licensed abattoirs.
"I want to warn butchers against selling meat that is not approved as this will land them into trouble.They should all buy meat from licensed abattoirs and avoid shortcuts," said Ms Kinuthia.
She said a crack down will be conducted to ensure butchers sell meat that is approved and they also have licenses to operate their business.
She also warned residents in Ondiri not to buy unsuspected meat.