Date: Thursday, April 25, 2025 | Time: 12:50 PM EAT
By Mulembe Times Reporter
A tragic case of suspected chemical poisoning has rocked the Katakala area of Narok South Sub-County, where one man has died and two others remain hospitalised after reportedly being exposed to unknown farm chemicals during a spraying exercise.
The deceased, identified as Phinehas Muturi, 32, died on Monday afternoon at approximately 1:00 PM, just three hours after being admitted to Narok County Referral Hospital. According to an official police report filed on Thursday night and seen by Citizen Digital, Muturi had arrived at the facility in critical condition alongside Peter Macharia, 36, who is currently under close medical observation.
The suspected poisoning has also claimed another victim, Daniel Maina, 35, who was admitted on Wednesday afternoon after presenting similar symptoms. Maina is reportedly in stable condition, but the gravity of the situation has triggered alarm across the county.
Exposure to Chemicals During Farm Work
The three men were among a group of ten casual workers contracted to spray herbicides on a private farm in Katakala area. According to a statement made by Maina to the authorities, the group had been spraying the farm — owned by a Mr. Chirchir — over a four-day period between Tuesday, April 15 and Friday, April 18, 2025.
The work was reportedly supervised by a farm manager, identified in the police report as Mr. Joseph, whose phone number (0728 259 298) has been listed for further investigation. Maina revealed that the chemicals they were handling were unknown to them, and no protective gear was issued before or during the spraying process.
Shortly after completing the work, all three victims began experiencing adverse health effects. Maina, who was the last to be admitted, first sought help at Ereteti Dispensary after developing skin irritation. His condition worsened over time, leading to his admission at the referral hospital — where he learned of the earlier cases and the death of his colleague.
Severe Symptoms and Corrosive Exposure
The Narok Central Sub-County Coordinator of Disease Surveillance and Response, Dennis Kipunel, confirmed that the victims exhibited a range of severe symptoms, including chest and throat pains, difficulty breathing, yellowing of the eyes, and even visible body corrosion. These symptoms, Kipunel said, strongly indicate exposure to toxic or corrosive chemical agents, most likely herbicides.
“The symptoms and timelines are consistent with acute chemical poisoning,” Kipunel stated. “We are working closely with police and public health officers to identify the specific chemical involved and determine how it was handled.”
Hospital officials at Narok County Referral Hospital are also monitoring the remaining patients closely, and have recommended toxicology tests to determine the exact substance responsible.
Investigation Underway
Police in Narok South have since launched investigations into the incident, focusing on the type of chemicals used on the farm and whether safety protocols were breached. Initial findings suggest that the workers were not provided with adequate protection such as gloves, masks, or overalls — a major violation of occupational safety regulations.
“We have opened an inquiry file and are collecting samples from the farm for lab testing,” said an officer from the Narok South Police Station. “This is a serious matter, and if negligence is proven, there will be legal consequences.”
Authorities are also trying to reach the farm owner and manager for questioning, even as more information continues to emerge from the hospitalised victims.
Public Concern and Calls for Regulation
The incident has sparked outrage among Narok residents and labor rights activists, who are demanding stricter enforcement of safety regulations in the agricultural sector. Katakala locals have voiced concerns about unregulated chemical use and poor oversight of casual labor practices on large farms.
“It’s not the first time we’re hearing of people falling sick after farm work,” said a local community elder. “These chemicals are dangerous, and workers are rarely trained or protected. Something must be done.”
Medical experts have warned of increasing cases of chemical exposure among agricultural workers across the country, citing the widespread use of unregulated herbicides and pesticides. Many of these products are imported and sold without proper labeling or safety instructions, putting both farm workers and consumers at risk.
Ongoing Monitoring and Response
Public health teams have been dispatched to the area to assess the extent of the contamination and to check if other workers from the same farm might also be affected. Residents have been urged to seek immediate medical attention if they experience similar symptoms.
Meanwhile, county authorities have promised to collaborate with national government agencies to improve regulation, enforce workplace safety, and prevent further tragedies.
As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers faced by Kenya’s agricultural workforce and the urgent need for reform in the handling of farm chemicals.
