Four people are nursing injuries from severe burns at Kericho County Referral Hospital after a makeshift changaa distillery exploded in Kirimoru, Kipkelion West.
Joel Tanui, the nurse in charge, said the victims, two men and two women, are in stable condition and out of danger.
“The men suffered burns covering about 32% of their bodies, while the women sustained burns of less than 10%,” he confirmed.
The explosion occurred near a riverbank where illicit brew is believed to have been manufactured.
Speaking while receiving treatment, Irene Oduor recalled the terrifying moment: “I was going to the river to fetch water. It was cold, so I stopped by the house to warm myself by the fire. Just as we were entering, the drums exploded.”
Another victim, Mercy Jepngeno, said she was not involved in the brewing process when the incident happened. “I don’t even drink alcohol,” she said. “I had just been hired for some work around the house.”
Outraged residents have blamed the local administration and police, accusing them of turning a blind eye to the brewing activities.
