Panic has gripped St. Thomas Aquinas Igumori Secondary School after 68 Form Four students were rushed to Kiritiri Level 4 Hospital with severe food poisoning symptoms, allegedly after consuming contaminated cow meat.
According to the school principal, a cow was slaughtered on Wednesday, and a day later, the Form Four students, along with two teachers, feasted on the animal’s head. Shortly after, many started experiencing intense stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhea, forcing the school administration to call for emergency medical help.
Three of the students, whose conditions were critical, were transferred to Embu Level 5 Hospital for specialized treatment. Medical teams at both hospitals are working to stabilize the affected students, with authorities closely monitoring their recovery.
Health officials in Embu have launched investigations to determine the exact cause of contamination, with suspicions pointing to bacterial infection or improper meat handling. Samples from the cow’s meat have been taken for laboratory testing, and officials have promised swift action if any negligence is found.
This alarming incident has sparked outrage among parents, with many questioning the school’s food safety standards. “How does an entire group of students get poisoned from school meals? Are there no checks in place?” one concerned parent asked.
As investigations continue, education and health officials have urged schools to observe strict food safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences.
More updates to follow as the situation unfolds.
