A man died instantly while four others were hospitalised after consuming an unknown chemical in Masogo, Nyando Sub-county, Kisumu.
The men reportedly stole the chemical which they mistook for alcohol from a parked lorry in Nyando.
Confirming the incident, Muhoroni Deputy County Commissioner Erick Wanyonyi disclosed on Saturday, March 28, that the driver of the lorry had sought shelter in the area after it got stuck in the mud that night.
The deceased, identified as Maurice Ouko, collapsed moments after consuming the chemical and died on the spot.
On learning of the incident, the driver of the lorry reportedly drove away and police officers have launched a manhunt for him.
Wanyonyi also noted that a number of witnesses had revealed that they saw other residents rush to the stalled lorry with 20-litre jerricans to take the 'alcohol'.
“Some people raided the lorry at night and stole the substance which was packed in 20-litre jerrycans and consumed it,” he stated.
The four were taken to Ahero Sub-County Hospital for treatment.
Police officers recovered 90 litres of the substance they believe had been stolen from the lorry and took it to state's chemist for testing.
“This action was taken since we could not establish the kind of substance it was.
“This habit of stealing and consuming unknown things should stop. It has placed and could place more lives in danger,” he cautioned.
