A man from Murama Sector in Ngoma District, eastern Rwanda, has died after drinking a traditional herbal remedy reportedly containing hippopotamus feces, while his wife, who consumed the same medicine, remains in critical condition at Kibungo Hospital.
The incident occurred on the night between Friday and Saturday in Kanyinya Village, Rurenge Cell, Murama Sector.
According to local residents, the couple had sought treatment from a traditional healer known for providing various herbal remedies.
The healer allegedly gave them a medicine he claimed could treat an illness they had been suffering from for some time.
Reports indicate that the mixture may have contained hippopotamus feces.
Shortly after consuming the medicine, the man died, while his wife was rushed to hospital in critical condition. She is currently receiving treatment at Kibungo Hospital.
The Executive Secretary of Murama Sector, Kellen Mbabazi, told Ukweli Times that local authorities do not know what illness the couple had been suffering from because they chose to seek treatment from a traditional healer rather than a medical facility.
She said authorities were alerted by residents after the man’s death, while his wife was in critical condition.
Mbabazi confirmed that an investigation was immediately launched to establish the cause of the man’s death.
Samples collected from the scene have been sent to the Rwanda Forensic Institute (RFI) for analysis, but the results have not yet been released.
As of now, the official cause of death has not been established by the relevant authorities.
Although many residents suspect the death may be linked to the traditional medicine the couple consumed, authorities have urged the public to wait for the outcome of the investigation before drawing conclusions.
By Mwizerwa Ally
RwandaTribune.rw
