Written by Joseph Amunya and Frankline Bwire 2012-07-11 16:05:00 Read 779 Times

Three people have been reported dead while twenty three others are nursing injuries after being struck by lightning in different incidents at Mautuma village in Lugari and Matungu Districts of Kakamega County.

Confirming the incident, Lugari District Police boss Mr. John Leshimpiro said that one of the deceased identified as Mrs. Margaret Roma, 35, was inside her house when lightning struck her dead following a heavy downpour Tuesday afternoon.

The other deceased person was a middle aged man who according to the police boss was grazing cattle inside Mautuma Forest when the tragedy occurred.

Leshimpiro added that three pupils from Mugunga primary school were rushed to Lugari District Hospital while in critical conditions after sustaining serious injuries caused by the deadly lightning.

In Matungu, one student from Itete Seconday School in Matungu constituency died leaving 20 others currently recuperating at the St Mary’s Mission Hospital after being struck by lightning different schools in Mumias and Matungu.

At least 18 of the victims admitted to the hospital were from Itete Secondary School while two others were from Kholera and Mumias Township primary schools.

13 year old struck by lightning

In Butula District of Busia County, a standard six pupil at Ikonzo primary school died on Wednesday after being struck by lightning.

Confirming the incident, Busia Deputy Police Boss Francis Nguli said that Silus Juma, 13, was struck by lightning at around 5pm on his way home from school following the heavy downpour that was pounding the area.

“The boy died on the spot after being struck by lightning on his way home as the rain was falling at the time,” said Nguli, adding that no one else was injured during the incident.

Speaking to West FM in Busia town, the deputy police boss called on the respective officers in charge of various schools in the County to ensure lightning arresters are installed in all buildings to avoid similar incidences.

“Those in charge of schools should make an effort of preventing such disasters before they occur,” he said, adding that the lives of pupils should be protected.

He also implored the area residents to remain vigilant and exercise caution as they undertake their duties following the ongoing rains being experienced in most parts of the County.

The body of the deceased was ferried to the Busia District Hospital where it is awaiting postmortem over the lightning tragedy.

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