Four people died yesterday after consuming illicit brew at Kubweye village in Kuria West sub-county.

Area police commander Cleti Kimaiyo said the four, including the brewer, succumbed after consuming the illicit brew.

Eight more are still fighting for their lives at Migori Referral Hospital. Samjomen Hospital Medical Health Superintendent Martin Mwita said the patients exhibited difficulties in breathing, vomiting, diarrhoea and complained about abdominal pain.

Kubweye and Kunguku village residents led by Patel Matiko said the four were first taken to Samjomen Hospital in Mabera where they died while receiving first aid.

Residents blamed the local administrators for the mushrooming of illicit liquor dens in the area.

“We urge the government to take stern action against sellers and brewers of the illicit liquor and stamp out the vice that has caused many deaths in rural areas,” said Matiko.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to Akdiva Hospital mortuary in Suna West sub-county.