At least ten people, including children, have been hospitalized at Sirisia Sub-County Hospital in Bungoma County after consuming flying termites, known in Luhya as tsiswa or kumbikumbi in Kiswahili, in what is suspected to be a case of food poisoning.
According to Edith Wafula, the hospital’s supervisor, the victims were rushed to the facility after developing symptoms consistent with food poisoning.
“Ten individuals, including children, were admitted to Sirisia Hospital on suspicion of food poisoning,” Wafula confirmed.
She noted that those affected reported symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and general body weakness.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the group had consumed termites purchased from a local vendor at Sirisia Market. Health officials later confirmed that the batch was toxic.
Local authorities are now urging residents to exercise caution and ensure that the food they consume is safe and properly sourced, especially as the rainy season prompts a rise in the harvesting and sale of edible insects.
Tsiswa is a delicacy and a good source of proteins among the Luhya people of Western Kenya
