59 Students’ Lives in Danger after Eating Poisonous Fruit

Approximately 59 students from Kanaani Integrated Primary School were rushed to Athi River Sub County Level 4 hospital on Tuesday, February 13, after experiencing stomach complications believed to be caused by consuming poisonous wild fruits picked from the school fence, as reported by the school’s headteacher.

The affected students, aged between 6 and 9, began showing symptoms shortly after their lunch break, prompting immediate action from the school. The incident occurred between 2-3 pm, leading to the mobilization of an ambulance to transport the students to the hospital.

At Athi River Level Four hospital, a County Executive Committee Member confirmed that the students were admitted in batches, with the first group of 24 arriving around 4 pm. A special ward was designated for the students, and nurses were deployed to provide care.

Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti provided an update, stating that 51 students were treated and discharged on the same night, while 8 were kept for overnight observation and discharged the following morning after stabilization. One student remained under observation but was reported to be in stable condition.

Governor Ndeti reassured the public that samples of the wild fruits had been sent for analysis at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).

She commended the medical team for their efficient handling of the situation and thanked the Department of Health and Emergency Services and other relevant agencies for their prompt and coordinated response.

The incident at Kanaani Integrated Primary School saw swift action from both the school and medical authorities, resulting in the treatment and discharge of the majority of affected students, with ongoing monitoring for the remaining cases. Samples of the suspected fruits have been sent for analysis to prevent future incidents.