Five secondary school students from Mache Achumbi Nyaribari Masaba Kisii County are fighting for their lives at a Masimba hospital after they consumed chang’aa in excess on Tuesday.
According to neighbours, one of the students took others to their home where they found chang’aa hidden and started drinking.
“One of the students his mother is a chang’aa brewer. He took his friends to their home after they were sent home to bring lunch fee only to end up drinking chang’aa that was hidden in the house packed ready for transportation,” said Steve Makung’a.
Makung’a said the boy’s mother was away when the incident happened.
He said when the students finished drinking they started shouting and screaming something that attracted other neighbours who came to their rescue and rushed them to Masimba hospital where they are receiving treatment.
“Two out of the 5 students were lying down unconscious when neighbours arrived at the homestead where they were drinking. They were rushed to hospital for treatment,” said Martin Sure.
Sure accused parents of ignoring the government’s calls to stop making and selling illicit brews.
“The government’s efforts to end illicit brews are being frustrated by some parents who have refused to venture into legal businesses. Area local government officers are sleeping on their job especially the fight against illicit brews,” said Sure.