68 secondary school students hospitalized after consuming contaminated food in Embu

Sixty-eight students from St. Thomas Aquinas Igumori Secondary School in Mbeere South, Embu County were hospitalized after consuming suspected contaminated cow meat which caused severe stomach pains and diarrhea. The students became ill after their meal, prompting teachers to rush them to a level 3 hospital with 5 students referred to Embu level 5 hospital for further treatment. School Principal Paul Mwaniki confirmed that only form four students who ate the cow head meat were affected while others remained unaffected. The institution suspects there was contamination during preparation. Health officials led by Embu CEC for health Jamal Runyeje reassured the parents that all students were in stable condition and health officers had started investigations into food safety standards at the institution and others, scrutinizing suppliers and preparation methods to prevent further incidents.