Police are investigating the death of three construction workers at a city property owned by ANC Party leader Musalia Mudavadi.
The three were part of eight people who, according to the police, took an “unknown concoction” on Thursday afternoon while they were at a construction site in Kazuri, Marula Ridge, in Karen.
On Saturday afternoon, the security officer in charge of the construction site, identified as Mr Robert Kibet, was summoned to Karen Police Station where he recorded a statement about the incident.
As soon as news about the incident went public, family members of the victims and well wishers tried to gather around the construction site in Karen but were dispersed by police.
They were also not allowed to camp at Karen Police Station, which was following up the matter.
Police officers were cautious about any information concerning the incident that they were sharing with the media.
However, Mr Mudavadi tweeted on his official account about the incident and promised to assist the affected people once he gets back to the country.
On Thursday, 7 workers on a construction project in which I’ve partnered drunk an unknown concoction. Sadly 3 lost their lives but 4 have been discharged. The matter has been reported to the police for further investigation.
— Musalia W Mudavadi (@MusaliaMudavadi) February 2, 2019
The police, in a statement that was released to the public mid-morning Saturday, said they found a bottle, assorted leaves and aloe vera in a plastic jug at the scene. “We took the jug and the other substances that we strongly suspect were used to make the concoction. We took them as exhibits,” a statement by the police dated January 31, read.
ANC Secretary General Barrack Muluka, in a statement sent to media houses, said the delay in sharing information on the matter was caused by time-zone difference between Kenya and Mr Mudavadi’s current address.
“Time-zone differences between Kenya and his current address, put together with protocol necessities for gathering facts, authenticating them and sharing the details, have invariably slowed the public communication in this matter,” read the statement.
Mr Muluka said the incident took place while construction was still ongoing and its management was under the hands of the contractor, and not Mr Mudavadi.