63 die in Kenya after drinking toxic alcohol

AT LEAST 63 people have died in Kenya this week and dozens more are sick after consuming toxic alcohol, police and hospitals said Wednesday.

"So far, we have 63 dead," police spokesman Masood Mwinyi told AFP. Hospital sources said dozens more were receiving treatment.

"What we are trying to establish is the origin of this brew. Investigations are under way and samples will be taken to ascertain where and how it was prepared," said police spokeswoman, Zipporah Mboroki.

The towns worst affected are close to the capital Nairobi and elsewhere in the centre and the east of the country. In some areas the alcohol was bought from licensed bars and in others it was sold on the street in the slums, officials said.

Deaths from toxic alcohol are relatively common in Kenya, with similar cases making the headlines every year.