Food and drink tampering with the goal of robbing or otherwise abusing the victim is not a new crime, but it is becoming more common in Kenya.
Because the drugs used by the thieves mimic rice grains, the phenomenon is referred to as “mchele” (rice). “Pishori,” a delectable rice variety, is another popular term for the medicines. “Mama Mchele” and “Pishori Ladies” are two terms used to describe women who partake in the activity.
Pishori Ladies are accused of sprinkling “mchele” into the drinks or food of their victims, who are usually too inebriated to notice. Within minutes, the subject begins to fall asleep. The criminals then rifle through the victim’s things, stealing cash, jewelry, cell phones, credit cards, and other valuables.
LOSS OF MEMORY
There are solid reports that certain medicines cause victims to freely reveal their PIN information for mobile money wallets and bank accounts to thieves. The victims frequently forget how they gave the burglars their PINs. The thieves are swift and can drain a bank account in a matter of hours.
The thieves use the mobile money PIN to steal not just from the mobile money account, but also from digital lending apps.
The victim is now responsible for repaying the loans, which is just another blow dealt by the merciless thieves.
The majority of cases of spiking appear to be committed by female criminals, but men are catching up.
DRUGS USED IN SPIKING
Spiking substances such as Rohypnol, valium, and ketamine are used by Pishori Ladies.
Slurred speech, inability to concentrate, poor coordination, dizziness, nausea, and memory loss are all symptoms of a Rohypnol overdose. When used in excess, valium does not kill, but it does put you to sleep for two days.
Scopolamine and Stilnox are reportedly used to spike drinks, according to online reports. Scopolamine is used to treat nausea and vomiting, but it can create hallucinations, confusion, and paranoia, according to the National Library of Medicine in the United States. Stilnox is a sleeping pill used to help people who have trouble sleeping (lack of sleep).
