Lydia Wanjiru Warns Drink-Spiking Targets Both Men and Women After Sharing Disturbing Accounts

Lydia Wanjiru has cautioned the public to remain vigilant while enjoying nightlife, warning that suspected drink-spiking incidents are affecting both men and women.

In an Instagram post shared after reports emerged of a man who allegedly died following a suspected drink-spiking incident, Wanjiru urged revellers not to assume that only men are targeted.

“Do not ever think that these days only men are being drugged. They target both men and women,” she wrote.

She Shares Two Alleged Incidents

Wanjiru recounted two cases involving women she claims were victims of suspected drink-spiking after visiting entertainment venues.

According to her, one of the victims was a woman close to her who was allegedly drugged at a popular club along Thika Road last year. She said the woman lost her mobile phone and four laptops after becoming incapacitated.

Wanjiru added that the stolen items were later recovered with the assistance of officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

She also shared another account relayed to her by a friend. According to the story, a woman began feeling unusually ill after consuming just two beers at a club. She reportedly decided to leave and drove away before losing consciousness near the Ruaka roundabout.

Wanjiru said the woman’s caretaker happened to notice her vehicle while travelling in a public service vehicle and was able to intervene before the situation became more serious.

“The world has become so unpredictable. You have to take care of yourselves,” she said.

Growing Concern Over Drink-Spiking

Drink-spiking, commonly referred to in Kenya as “mchele,” involves secretly adding intoxicating or sedative substances to another person’s drink without their knowledge.

While robbery is often cited as the primary motive, health and security experts warn that drink-spiking can also be used to facilitate sexual assault and other crimes.

Medical professionals say common symptoms include sudden dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, excessive drowsiness, memory loss and loss of consciousness. The effects can be more severe when the substances are combined with alcohol or when the victim has underlying health conditions such as hypertension or heart disease.

In her post, Wanjiru claimed investigators had informed her that numerous deaths linked to suspected drink-spiking had been recorded, although she did not provide specific figures.

Kenyan authorities have previously warned the public about criminals who use sedatives to facilitate theft. However, there is currently no comprehensive national database documenting the number of drink-spiking incidents or related fatalities.

Safety Tips for Revellers

Security experts advise people to reduce their risk by avoiding unattended drinks, accepting beverages only after watching them being prepared, and staying with trusted friends during nights out.

Anyone who suddenly feels far more intoxicated than expected should seek immediate medical attention and alert those around them as soon as possible.

Wanjiru also urged people to be cautious about inviting strangers to join their tables, noting that while socialising is common in entertainment spots, exercising greater caution has become increasingly important.

“It can happen to anyone. Unfortunately, some people die, others are left traumatised, and many lose valuable property. Be careful,” she said.