A popular eatery at Chebunyo Trading Centre in Bomet County has been closed indefinitely after its owner was allegedly found carrying fresh human waste wrapped in a polythene bag.
The substance was reportedly discovered in the apron worn by the woman while she was supervising workers at the establishment.
Chebunyo Market Chairman Joseph Kiptoo said the incident came to light after employees raised concerns about what they described as unusual behaviour by their employer.
The workers allegedly told customers that the woman had been keeping human waste in a drawer at the eatery, although it remains unclear why she was allegedly doing so.
The claims prompted some regular customers to confront the woman. During the confrontation, one customer raised concerns that the substance could potentially have been used to contaminate food served at the establishment.
The eatery reportedly serves more than 100 customers daily and is among the popular food outlets at the trading centre. Customers reportedly begin arriving as early as 7 a.m. for breakfast, with the business operating until late at night.
Following the incident, an angry crowd attempted to access shelves containing various foodstuffs, prompting police officers from Chebunyo Police Station to intervene.
The officers restored order before taking the woman into custody for questioning.
County health officials later visited the premises, recorded the woman’s statement and interviewed employees who were on duty at the time. The workers were subsequently released.
The incident has also raised renewed concerns over sanitation standards at the trading centre, with traders accusing the Bomet County Government of neglecting sanitation and public health services.
The traders allege that several eateries in the area operate without functional toilet facilities.
The Bomet County Health Department has announced that major inspections will be conducted immediately, with establishments found violating health regulations facing legal action.
