By The Weekly Vision Team
Children in Busia County’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) program are in danger due to the consumption of suspected aflatoxin-contaminated rice distributed by the county government. Sources at the county suggest that Foustin Ounoi Ochunga Abwaku, the county’s Education Chief of Staff, is aware of this issue.
The contaminated rice was imported by wealthy Somali businessmen in the area and was supplied for distribution to the schools as part of the county’s feeding program. Why the county officials bought the imported rice rather than support local farmers in Budalang’i remains a mystery. Buying the locally grown rice would have greatly boosted the local economy.
A major conflict has since arisen between Mr. Ochunga and top public health officials led by Flavian Juma and County Secretary John Oscar Juma after a large consignment of the imported contaminated rice was found in county warehouses. Public health officers had previously tested rice samples at two national laboratories, both confirming high aflatoxin levels. Flavian Juma said, “Tests showed dangerously high levels of aflatoxin. Additional testing confirmed the same results.”
Tests revealed that the rice was dangerously tainted with aflatoxin, a harmful toxin, making it unsafe for consumption. Despite these findings, the rice was distributed to schools, where it was mixed with beans, cooked, and served to students and school staff.
Although laboratory results were shown to The Weekly Vision, copies couldn’t be released due to the sensitive nature of the issue. Juma noted that a meeting was held with Ochunga and other officials to address the problem. A notice was issued to stop the distribution of the contaminated rice and to destroy it immediately. However, Ochunga allegedly opposed this destruction, possibly due to personal business interests.
Feeding children rice contaminated with aflatoxins poses serious health risks. Aflatoxins are toxins from certain fungi that can contaminate rice and other crops under poor storage conditions. Exposure can cause symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, and liver damage and, in severe cases, can be fatal if consumed in large amounts.
To Be Continued…….
