A 15-year-old Grade nine student from Edakha village, Busia County, is currently fighting for his life after suffering a severe electric shock caused by fallen power lines. The teenager was heading to the river when he unknowingly stepped into a hazardous situation, encountering the live wires lying across a road.
While in the middle of the cables, the power supply was restored, and the boy was electrocuted. The shock caused severe injuries, leading to the amputation of his fingers, and doctors are now considering surgery on his head. This tragedy not only disrupts the life of a young student who was preparing to sit for his Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KEPSEA) exams but also leaves the family in emotional turmoil.
The boy’s parents have accused Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) of negligence, pointing out that locals had reported the fallen wires earlier but no action was taken to address the issue. The father has pleaded for KPLC to intervene, ensure that his child receives proper treatment, and help him cope with the long-term consequences of the injuries.
The mother, visibly emotional, spoke about the traumatic experience, detailing the severe nature of her son’s injuries and the fact that his ability to take exams has now been jeopardized. This situation has not only caused physical harm to the child but has also deeply affected the family’s peace of mind.
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with many demanding accountability and a more proactive response from KPLC. The family is now calling for the company to take responsibility for the injury, cover the medical expenses, and provide compensation. Additionally, the father has requested a comprehensive audit of all exposed or damaged power lines in the region to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
As the young boy continues his recovery, his family clings to hope, urging KPLC to support them through this difficult ordeal and to take steps to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
