Migori — Four people died in Kuria West, Migori County on Tuesday after consuming a suspected poisonous substance.

Kuria West OCPD Kemboi Kimaiyo who confirmed the incident said 8 other people are recuperating at Migori County Hospital where they were rushed to.

Kimaiyo stated that officers received a report that 13 people had been hospitalized at a local hospital after consuming an illicit brew.

"The officers rushed to the local hospital after the matter was reported and found four people had already succumbed," said the OCPD.

Those found receiving treatment at the local hospital were immediately transferred to Migori for specialized treatment.

Kimaiyo indicated that the hospital facility where the victims were first rushed to indicated that the patients were taken to the hospital in batches from 2pm on Tuesday.

"According to the hospital superintendent, the patients exhibited difficulties in breathing, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain," read part of the police report.

Kimaiyo stated that officers later visited the home where the victims were reported to have been drinking but failed to find anybody at home.

The owner of the homestead is among those who succumbed.

However, upon inspection at the home, a colourless liquid in a clear bottle was recovered and is suspected to be part of the drink the victims had been consuming.

Kimaiyo pointed out that the the liquid substance has been sent to government chemist in Kisumu to ascertain its content.

"We want to know whether they died of poisoning or the illicit brew they took," said Kimaiyo.

The bodies were taken to a morgue in Migori where post mortem examinations will be conducted on the bodies to ascertain the cause of death.