Senator Onyonka Sends Plea to Gov’t as Mysterious Illness Ravages South Mugirango

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has raised concern over a mysterious illness that has affected residents of South Mugirango, Kisii County. 

In a statement on Tuesday, March 4, the senator said over 200 people have fallen ill, experiencing severe diarrhea with bloody stools, high fever and intense headaches over the past two weeks. 

"Reports indicate that over 200 people from Nyabigege, Nyamarondo, and Nyaririgo villages have fallen ill, experiencing severe diarrhea with bloody stools, high fever, and intense headaches over the past two weeks," he said. 

Onyonka emphasized the urgency of addressing the situation, noting that preliminary investigations suggest the illness may be waterborne.  

"Even as Health authorities, including the Ministry of Health and county officials, have launched investigations to determine the cause of this outbreak and preliminary assessments suggest that the illness may be waterborne, potentially linked to contaminated water sources used by the affected villages," he added.

Onyonka has called for immediate actions including fast-tracking the testing of collected samples to determine the exact cause of this illness.

In addition to expedited testing, the senator called for an immediate emergency medical response to assist those affected.

"I urge health authorities to fast-track the testing of collected samples to determine the exact cause of this illness so that appropriate interventions can be put in place. I call on the Ministry of Health and Kisii County Government to deploy additional medical personnel and provide the necessary supplies to treat those affected," he stated.

Onyonka also emphasized the importance of public health awareness, advising residents to take precautions such as boiling drinking and cooking water to reduce the risk of infection.  

He called on community health workers to intensify sensitization efforts on hygiene and sanitation.  

"I encourage residents to take extra precautions, including boiling all drinking and cooking water to minimize the risk of infection. I also urge community health workers to step up sensitization efforts on hygiene and sanitation,' he said.

Beyond addressing the current crisis, Onyonka stressed the need for long-term solutions to improve water safety in South Mugirango.

"This outbreak highlights the urgent need for improved water infrastructure in South Mugirango. I will be engaging both county and national governments to ensure that clean and safe drinking water is provided to our people," he added.

Further, to maintain public trust and ensure transparency, Onyonka urged health authorities to provide regular updates on the outbreak’s status and the measures being taken to contain it.

"Transparency is key in handling this crisis. I expect health authorities to provide consistent updates on the status of the outbreak and the measures being taken to contain it.

"I want to assure the people of South Mugirango and Kisii County that my office will continue to push for swift and effective action to safeguard the health and well-being of our community. Speedy recovery to all the affected," he concluded.