Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero [PHOTO/nation.co.ke]
Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has ordered speedy investigations into the cholera attack at Weston Hotel after an expert's statement indicated that the source of the responsible bacteria was "external".
Kidero promised to give the report in two days.
Chairman of the Conference Organising Committee Dr Joseph Aluoch on Friday gave suspicion that the "packed lunch, which contained fish", could have been contaminated with the bacteria.
The 33 victims admitted in various Nairobi hospitals were part of the 500 delegates drawn from different countries who were attending the 4th Kenya International Scientific Lung Health Conference which started on Thursday.
"During the conference, some people developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea and general ill health.
"This happened almost immediately after a meal on Tuesday. Almost all those who ate seemed to have been affected even those who only came to the conference on Tuesday when it was being opened," Dr Joseph Aluoch said.
However, the ministry of Health has laid blame on food poisoning.
Speaking at Kawangware Coast PAG church yesterday Sunday, Kidero termed the incident as unfortunate.
"Recently we had an international conference and we have seen a lot more conferences coming in the city in the last three years.
"This case of cholera was rather unfortunate and we [are] following the [lead] that the food served was from outside," the governor said.
"We will check the records of the people working at Weston because this is a public health requirement that everybody must go for a medical exam and get necessary vaccination twice a year," Dr Kidero added.
He defended his government from accusations hurled by Kenya Medical Association (KMA) who said the administration has failed in their mandate.