In a shocking turn of events, a 26-year-old man identified as Wamoka Kusuya lost his life during a drinking competition in Namisindwa district. The tragic incident unfolded over the weekend at Busulwa trading centre, where a local businessman named Zeki organized the competition with a cash reward of Shs 10,000 for the winner.
Wamoka Kusuya, a resident of Bushandu village in Bunambale parish, Tsekululu sub-county, was one of the participants in the competition. The challenge was to consume 20 bottles of the 'Officer' Kombucha drink, a Kenyan brand product known for its potency. Kusuya, along with competitors Kiloton Kutosi, 25, and Wamutu, 27, took part in the fierce contest.
During the competition, tragedy struck when Kusuya collapsed after consuming only five bottles of the potent drink. Despite desperate attempts by residents to administer traditional first aid measures, including unconventional remedies such as having him drink urine and raw eggs, his condition continued to worsen.
He was promptly rushed to Magale health centre III for medical intervention, but unfortunately, he succumbed to the effects of the intoxication on the way.
Expressing regret over the incident, Emma Bwayo, the Namisindwa district youth male councillor, called on young people to redirect their energy towards more constructive activities. Moses Waburoko, the Tsekululu sub-county LC V, condemned the incident, urging youths to exercise caution and avoid excessive consumption of food or drinks.
Julie Namara, the Namisindwa Resident District Commissioner (RDC), confirmed the tragic incident and took swift action by deploying police to the area to prevent potential violence at the crime scene. Reports emerged of the deceased's relatives planning retaliation against Zeki, the organizer of the ill-fated competition.
In a shocking development, residents expressed their anger by dumping Kusuya's lifeless body at Zeki's residence, indicating their intention to bury him there as a form of punishment. The situation remains tense, and authorities are closely monitoring the area to prevent any further escalation of violence.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with excessive alcohol consumption and the need for responsible behavior, particularly among the youth.
