Kenyan Originals responds after claims of toxicity in drinks

Kenyan Originals (KO), the alcoholic brand under the African Originals umbrella, has responded to online claims of toxicity in their range of cider beverages after several consumers took to the internet to share their horrid tales after consuming the drink.

While acknowledging that they had received the negative reports, KO said they’re taking the issues raised seriously and that they are committed to thoroughly investigating the matter as a reflection of their dedication to consumer safety.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the brand further added that they adhere to stringest quality control measures, adding that they had initiated contact with all consumers who expressed concern.

"We are aware of the recent concerns raised regarding our KO Cider beverages and want to assure you that we take all issues related to our products seriously. Our commitment to thoroughly investigate this matter reflects our dedication to the safety and well-being of our consumers, which remains our top priority,” read the statement.

"We adhere to stringent quality control measures, working closely with regulatory authorities to ensure the safety of our beverages. We have already initiated contact with all consumers who expressed concerns and eagerly await their feedback."

For the better part of Tuesday afternoon, several consumers of the KO alcoholic drinks took to X to share tales of their unsavoury experiences after consuming the KO ciders.

On January 16, an X user going by the username Indigo kicked off the conversation after sharing her experience after taking the KO ciders.

Complaining of “suffering” for two days after taking the drink, the consumer wondered what methodology the producers used in their distillery.

"KO needs to go back to their distillery and check what they messed up. My goodness! 2 days later, I am still suffering. For now, they just lost me as a customer!" she lamented.

Almost immediately, more affected consumers came forward to share their hangover nightmares too.

X user @babychira also chimed in, sharing a photo of her hand while receiving a drip at the hospital, saying, "I took a bottle of KO on Thursday night and this was me on Friday. This was my second experience...kama wanataka kutuua waseme for real!"

As more and more people joined the conversation, one other consumer shared their experience, saying, "Last week that KO Cider almost sent my sister and cousin to hospital. Good thing they stopped at their second bottle and had water to dilute that s**t... For me it was their passion that I tasted and felt like I'm having some busaa!"

Back in December, KO was named the best producer of local gin, ciders, and mixers in Kenya at the 2023 World Beverage Innovation Awards in Germany.

KO needs to go back to their distillery and check what they messed up. My goodness! 2 days later, I am still suffering. For now, they just lost me as a customer

Omg fr!! Kitambo I used to take 6 KO pinneaple & mints and feel perfectly fine, no hangover. I took 3 of them in December and I was out for 12 hours! The hangover also tried to kill me. @KenyanOriginals what changed??? https://t.co/UgDGPc0KhZ

I took a bottle of KO on Thursday night and this was me on Friday 😭. This was my second experience😣kama wanataka kutuua waseme fr!! https://t.co/FFPmeub5oT pic.twitter.com/35DsaHOngN

The math is now mathing🤨….not my friends and I talking about club hopping and ‘drinking polite(KO)’ after 2 jugs of Muratatu at beer district💀

Was a long long day afterwards..heh😪 https://t.co/kEsEEZMQDC

Are we drinking the same KO? All I know is that after 2 bottles you start seeing your ancestors but hii ya siku mbili sijawai skia https://t.co/2tEUVfCxMc

I took four of this in December, and never again
I was out for 2 days https://t.co/IzcASyrYvE— ... (@faithkanja4) January 16, 2024