A sixteen year old boy died on the spot after being electrocuted while pruning trees at Mugunga village, Marakusi sub location in Lugari sub – county, Kakamega.
It’s alleged that the deceased Newton Nabwani had been hired by Mr. Ezekiel Otindo to prune his five trees that are near the power lines when he met his death.
According to the deceased’s grandfather Mzee Julius Beka Nalwa his grandson who was a total orphan had asked him for permission to go and watch primary school games at Mugunga primary and along the way he was approached by Mr. Otindo who requested his service to prune the trees promising to pay him Ksh. 50.
“My grandson woke up well this morning and after taking breakfast he request for permission to go and watch primary school games of which I allowed him to go as I took my jembe and headed to the shamba, but few minutes later I received shocking information of his death,” explained Beka.
According to eye witnesses the boy was on the second tree when he cut a branch that fell on the lines electrocuting him before he fell down.
“I saw flames of fire on the top of the trees followed by screams then he fell down, reaching on the scene I found him bleeding profusely from the nose, with assistance of passersby we tried to give him first aid but he died a minute later,” narrated a resident who sought anonymity adding that he had warned the deceased against the job due to the close power lines but he insisted on taking the risk so that he could get Ksh. 50.
Mr. Beka has appealed for a legal action to be taken against the trees owner for hiring a minor knowing very well it was dangerous.
By the time of going to press, the owner Ezekiel Otindo who allegedly disappeared immediately after the incidence was still at large.
The body was removed to Chebaiywa mortuary as police from Turbo station launched investigation into the incident.
