Initial investigations have revealed that methanol, an industrial solvent was the cause of over 76 deaths and an additional 181 casualties admitted to hospital till now.
Methanol is used in industrial processes but is highly toxic when taken into the body. The body converts methanol into formic acid causing damage to nerves and visceral body organs including the liver and kidneys.
Initial symptoms of methanol poisoning usually resemble intoxication due to normal alcohol indulgence. It may appear like normal drunkenness. However, as time progresses, the victims start experiencing blurred vision, splitting headaches, vomiting and abdominal pains.
Methanol poisoning can be reversed by administering an antidote on time. Delayed treatment may result in blindness, a coma and ultimately, death.
Methanol is pretty poisonous that just a spoonful of the chemical may burn the optic nerves making the victim blind.
Recommended content of the chemical in alcoholic beverages is an absolute zero percent.
Preliminary tests of samples by government chemists showed that samples obtained from Makueni was 100 percent methanol content. In Makueni, at least 16 deaths have been reported with another 75 still in hospital.
Samples from Embu contained 70 percent methanol. Government chemists intend to test all samples obtained from the affected areas before giving conclusive reports on the causes of the deaths.
Health Cabinet Secretary, James Macharia, said that they expected law enforcement agencies to take further action in containing the consumption of illicit brews.
Public health experts have blamed backyard distilleries for use of primitive processes which can make drinks with lethal levels of methanol.
The National Authority for Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) boss, John Mututho, has called for a 90 day rehabilitation process of alcoholics and sensitization of the public. He also suggested that people could have fun without having to indulge in alcoholic drinks.
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