Three people, including a 71-year-old woman, have died in separate electrocution incidents reported in Siaya, Garissa, and Malindi, prompting investigations by authorities and renewed concerns over electrical safety standards in public and work settings.
The first incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday at a funeral in the Nyawara area of Yala, Siaya County. Josephine Aoko Otala, 71, was attending a night vigil when she was electrocuted after touching metal rods supporting a tent that had been set up for the funeral. Police reports indicate that an electrician had installed lighting for the event but left live, exposed wires unattended. The metal rods, likely in contact with the live wires, delivered a fatal electric shock to Otala. Mourners fled in panic, and the power supply was disconnected. Kenya Power officials were notified, and Otala’s body was transferred to the mortuary as investigations began.
In a second incident, tragedy struck in Garissa Town on June 5, where a Kenya Power technician lost his life during maintenance work. The victim, identified as Fundi Mutinda, was working on high-voltage cables in the Burburis area when he was electrocuted. He was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Authorities have launched an investigation to establish whether safety protocols, such as disconnecting power during repairs, were followed. Kenya Power is expected to cooperate fully in the inquiry.
The third fatality occurred in Malindi, Kilifi County, where 28-year-old Emmanuel Kombe, a car wash attendant, was electrocuted while on duty. Police said that water used in the car wash came into contact with a live electrical source, causing Kombe to collapse. He was taken to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. His body has been moved to the mortuary pending a postmortem examination.
These incidents highlight growing safety concerns around electricity usage in both public and work environments. Police have emphasized the need for proper installation procedures and increased public awareness. Meanwhile, investigations continue to determine accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
