Food Poisoning: Francis Gachuri Speaks After Death Of RMS Employee

He added that the situation was being handled professionally, even as the cause of the incident is yet to be determined.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Dec 28, 2022 - 10:04 Updated: Dec 28, 2022 - 10:05
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Food Poisoning: Francis Gachuri Speaks After Death Of RMS Employee
Francis Gachuri at Citizen TV studios. /FACEBOOK

Citizen TV senior political reporter Francis Gachuri has assured his fans that he is well following a food poisoning incident that claimed the life of one of the employees at Royal Media Services (RMS).

In a statement on Tuesday, December 27, Gachuri expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the others who were hospitalised over the incident a speedy recovery.

He added that the situation was being handled professionally, even as the cause of the incident is yet to be determined.

A signboard outside Royal Media Services offices in Kilimani, Nairobi. /FILE

"Thank you all for your calls, texts and kind concern. I am well. Condolences to the family of our departed colleague. Best wishes and quick recovery to our colleagues who are recuperating.

"The food poisoning situation is being handled professionally and with utmost care. It is well. Thank you. God bless you all," he wrote.

The female employee was found dead in her house and was among the significant number of the staffers who were admitted to the hospital over the food poisoning incident.

Speaking to Viral Tea, a source at the Kilimani-based media house revealed on condition of anonymity that the employees who were working on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, developed stomach complications after consuming food that was provided to them through a private catering company.

RMS Group Managing Director Wachira Waruru confirmed the incident, stating that the media house had contracted the company in line with holiday period working arrangements.

He noted that the complaints began on Monday, December 26 when some of the employees had reported having stomach pains after consuming the meals within the company.

"The Royal Media Services RMS is saddened to confirm a serious case of food poisoning that affected a significant number of staff working over the Christmas shift. In keeping with holiday period working arrangements, the RMS engaged a private food catering company to provide meals for staff working during the Christmas shift. 

"On Boxing Day December 26, 2022, some of the staff complained of severe stomach pains after consuming meals served within the premises of the company," Waruru stated in part in a press release sent to newsrooms.

He expressed his sorrow on learning that the staffer had died of the illness attributed to the poisoning and sent his condolences to the family of the deceased.

"We are deeply shocked and saddened to inform the public that one staff member has unfortunately succumbed to the illness attributed to the suspected food poisoning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of our deceased staff member during this difficult time," he added.

The company was offering a buffet meal to the employees during the Christmas shift. A buffet meal consists of several food options available to customers on a self-serve basis, meaning the cause of food poisoning is hard to detect.

According to Mayo Clinic, the illness is caused by eating contaminated food. Infectious organisms, including bacteria, viruses and parasites or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning.

Infectious organisms or their toxins can contaminate food at any point in processing or production. Contamination can also occur at home if food is incorrectly handled or cooked.

A woman holding her stomach after suffering from food poisoning. /FILE

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