A somber atmosphere hangs over Moi University as the news of the untimely death of 23-year-old Shelton Ochieng Odhiambo, a fourth-year student, spreads across the campus. The young student met his tragic end through electrocution at the residential houses of the main campus.
According to the police, the unfortunate incident occurred when Shelton climbed an avocado tree within the house compound, unknowingly coming into contact with an electricity wire. The fatal electrocution took place, leaving those present shocked and devastated.
Immediately after the incident, Shelton was rushed to the University health center in a desperate attempt to save his life. However, despite the best efforts of the medical staff, he was pronounced dead upon arrival, leaving the entire university community in mourning.
Electrocution cases have become a growing concern in recent months, and officials attribute the trend to illegal power connections. This tragic incident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers associated with such illegal practices and highlights the urgent need for proper electrical safety measures.
In other unfortunate incidents, two more lives were claimed by electrocution in separate incidents. In Ruiru, a 24-year-old man identified as Aston Omusiro met his untimely demise while attempting to warm water for a shower. His lifeless body was discovered on the floor of his house, holding a water heater, on June 27. The authorities have since moved his body to the mortuary as investigations into the incident continue.
Similarly, in Langata, Nairobi, a 30-year-old man named Nicodemus Mulwa suffered a fatal electrocution while cooking using an electric burner. Police who arrived at the scene suspect that a faulty connection of the burner led to the tragic incident. The body has also been transferred to the mortuary for further examination.
These incidents serve as a grim reminder of the importance of electrical safety and the devastating consequences that can arise from negligence or faulty connections. Authorities and relevant stakeholders must intensify efforts to raise awareness about safe electrical practices to prevent further loss of lives. The Moi University community mourns the loss of one of their own and hopes that lessons will be learned from this tragic event to prevent such incidents in the future.