An eight-year-old girl from Embu County has died after being attacked by a swarm of bees while collecting firewood with other children.
The incident occurred on Friday afternoon in Syomanthi Village, Gachuriri Sub-location, Mbeere South Sub-County. The child and her companions were gathering firewood in a nearby bush when the bees attacked.
While the other children managed to escape and raise an alarm, the girl was rescued by members of the public and taken to safety. A neighbour informed the girl’s mother, who immediately rushed her to Gachuriri Medical Clinic for first aid before she was referred to Tenri Hospital for specialised care.
Doctors at Tenri Hospital advised that the girl be admitted to a different facility for inpatient treatment. However, the mother chose to return home with the child instead of pursuing the recommended admission.
By early Saturday morning, the girl’s condition deteriorated, and she passed away at home. Police who visited the scene found her body with visible swelling on the face and upper body.
The body was taken to Embu Level Five Hospital mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is awaited. Authorities have launched an investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death.
Similar bee attack incidents have been reported in other parts of the country, including Homa Bay and Siaya counties, prompting calls for increased caution when in bushy areas.
