A somber mood has engulfed media mogul S. K Macharia’s owned media empire, Royal Media Services (RMS) following the death of a staff member and hospitalisation of five others in a suspected case of food poisoning.
Without divulging much details of the unfortunate incident, RMS Managing Director Wachira Waruru confirmed the death, saying the media house was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the events.
The deceased passed on while several others remain hospitalised after eating contaminated food on Christmas Day.
Investigators have widened the scope of the probe to the caterers, where the food was prepared and those who ferried.
Similarly, samples of the assorted foodstuffs have been seized for toxicological analysis which will be contrasted ton the postmortem findings of the deceased staff member to establish if there was any foul play and the motive.
A number of people including RMS staff are expected to record statements with homicide detectives attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
“We are deeply shocked and saddened to inform the public that one staff member has unfortunately succumbed to the illness attributed to the suspected food poisoning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of our deceased staff member during this difficult time,” said Waruru.
Through a quick dispatch to newsrooms, Waruru said the employees started developing stomach pains shortly after serving a buffet prepared by a hired catering firm.
“In keeping with holiday period working arrangements, the RMS engaged a private food catering company to provide meals for staff working during the Christmas shift. On Boxing Day December 26 2022, some of the staff complained of severe stomach pains after consuming meals served within the premises of the company.” The statement read in part.