Ngaruiya Junior to sue The Mark Hotel over alleged food poisoning

By Newsflash Writer

Kikuyu gospel artist Ngaruiya Junior has threatened to file a lawsuit against The Mark Hotel in Ruiru following a suspected food-poisoning incident that occurred on Sunday, November 30, during a dinner event held to launch his latest music video.

Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, December 4, the artist expressed frustration over the hotel’s continued silence four days after the incident, saying the establishment had not issued any statement or explanation regarding what may have triggered the health crisis that affected dozens of attendees.

Ngaruiya said his team’s efforts to reach out to the hotel’s management for an official account of events had “hit a dead end,” leaving him with no alternative but to pursue legal redress. “I want to give you 24 hours to give us a report on what happened to my friends. I want an explanation on what happened to my friends after they ate the food you gave us,” he said, adding that he had paid for the venue and catering expecting the food to be safe and fit for human consumption.

He further demanded accountability, insisting that someone must explain how the suspected contamination occurred. “Who poisoned the food we ate? I have already reported the incident to the relevant county and national government agencies,” he said.

Investigations begin

At least 30 attendees were treated and discharged from various hospitals in the aftermath of the incident, with one person still admitted as of Thursday. The symptoms, which included severe stomach pains and diarrhoea, began to manifest shortly after guests consumed food served during the dinner.

Among those affected were Ngaruiya Junior’s daughter, prominent online influencer Karangu Muraya, Evangelist Anne Lawrence, musician Ruth wa Mum, and several online bloggers and content creators who had attended the event. Videos and posts shared online showed some victims expressing shock at how a celebratory evening turned into a medical emergency for many of the artist’s guests.

ON SPOTLIGHT: The Mark Hotel. Photo/Handout

Ngaruiya said the response from health agencies had been swift, with Kiambu County health officers launching investigations immediately after the matter was reported. Samples were collected from the scene and submitted for laboratory analysis to determine whether the food was contaminated and, if so, what may have caused the poisoning.

“Health agencies in Kiambu started their investigation and we are awaiting their report. I urge for patience from my friends,” he said. He urged affected attendees to remain calm as authorities work to uncover the truth, noting that the findings will guide the next steps, including possible litigation.

Hotel remains silent

Despite rising public pressure, the hotel has not issued a statement regarding the incident, nor has it responded to questions raised by victims and members of the public online. Instead, the establishment has continued to advertise its services across its social media platforms, a move that has further angered the affected parties.

Ngaruiya criticised the hotel’s silence, terming it a sign of negligence and disregard for the welfare of its clients. “I demand justice for my friends and I. Failure to that, we will pursue justice through legal means,” he warned, insisting that the hotel should take responsibility and cooperate with investigators.

As the probe continues, Ngaruiya maintains that his priority is ensuring that the truth comes out and that no other client experiences a similar ordeal. “This was supposed to be a joyful moment, but it turned into a nightmare for many people,” he said.

Authorities are expected to release preliminary findings in the coming days, even as calls for accountability grow louder from those affected and from the broader gospel music community.