Wedding Postponed After a Man Was Electrocuted to Death in Church Compound
By Robert Siele | Kass Digital
One person died and five others were seriously injured after being electrocuted on Saturday evening while erecting a tent at Kejiriet African Gospel Church in Koitaburot, Sigowet/Soin, Kericho County, as they prepared for a wedding scheduled for Sunday.
Koitaburot location chief Benard Kimutai confirmed the incident, noting that it occurred during the final stages of the wedding preparations.
According to Mr. Kimutai, the six – four young men and two elderly men – were working together to properly position the tent when a metallic section of the structure came into contact with overhead three-phase power lines within the church compound, leading to the tragic accident.
“In the process of getting up a tent the metallic part of the tent touched the live power wires and electrocuted the six people,” Said the chief.
The incident triggered loud screams from those at the church and nearby residents, drawing a large crowd that joined in rescue efforts.
The victims were rushed to Ainamoi Subcounty Hospital, where a 60-year-old man was pronounced dead on arrival.
“One of the six people rushed to Ainamoi subcounty hospital was on critical condition and died at the facility and the rest were transferred to Kapkatet Subcounty hospital for further treatment,” added the Chief.
The remaining five, who sustained serious injuries, were later transferred to Kapkatet Subcounty Hospital for specialized treatment. One of them was reported to be in critical condition.
Due to the incident, the planned wedding was postponed to an unspecified date.
“The wedding plans had to be stopped as it could not proceed when the other family is grieving.”
Chief Kimutai expressed sorrow over the tragedy and urged the public to be extra cautious and vigilant around power lines to avoid similar accidents.
The deceased’s body was taken to St. Leonard Hospital mortuary, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
