Grade 6 Pupil Electrocuted by Live Cable in Awendo, Mother Demands Answers
Eugine Wabwile Juma
2 min read
VIONA SIMIYU
A Grade 6 pupil is recuperating at Awendo Sub-County Hospital after she was electrocuted by a live power cable in Athiko Estate, Awendo Town, Migori County. The incident has reignited fears over public safety and the dangers of illegal electricity connections in the area.
According to the girl’s mother, Sharon Odhiambo, the accident happened as they walked home from church on Sunday. She said she left her daughter briefly by a roadside kiosk to buy food at a nearby market. “When I came back, I found my daughter had been electrocuted after touching a live cable running from the kiosk. I thank God she survived,” Sharon said. “I want those responsible to be held accountable.”Members of the public who witnessed the incident rushed the girl to Awendo Sub-County Hospital where she is now receiving treatment. Sharon has reported the matter to Awendo Police Station and is pushing for a full investigation into how an exposed live cable was left in a public space.Local leaders say this is not the first case.
Area village elder Alexander Ochieng noted that Athiko Estate has recorded similar electrocution incidents in recent months. “We have witnessed several cases before. This should be a wake-up call to all those in charge of electricity installations to ensure residents are safe,” he said.Traders and boda boda operators in Awendo are also pointing fingers at illegal power connections. Bernard Odhiambo, Chairperson of the Awendo Small Traders Association, said, “We suspect illegal electricity connections are putting lives at risk. Kenya Power should inspect and disconnect all unsafe and unauthorized connections immediately.”Residents are now demanding swift action from Kenya Power and security agencies. They want the kiosk owner investigated and all dangerous connections removed to prevent further injuries or deaths.As the pupil continues to recover, the community says the priority must be enforcing safety regulations so that no other child is put at risk.
