This archive report was first published on 10 December 2019.
On December 10, 2019, Embu County health officials made the decision to destroy 500 bags of famine relief maize worth Sh2.25 million, which had been delivered to the drought-stricken Mbeere South residents.
The maize had been delivered in July with the intention of alleviating hunger in the region, but health officials decided to test it for safety before distribution.
According to Embu County Health Executive Patrick Waganagwa, the maize was found to be contaminated and posed a risk to human health.
“We found it was poisonous and sought for an order from the Siakago Court to destroy the maize to prevent it from being consumed,” Waganagwa said.
He explained that some of the maize grains had decayed, others had an unusual colour, and some were infested by pests, making it unfit for human consumption.
Waganagwa warned that the conditions of the maize could have caused serious diseases to the consumers.
