By Ernest Bandi
Tragedy struck in Shitaho area, Navakholo Sub-county, Kakamega County, after a man was electrocuted while attempting to vandalize a live power line. The unidentified man died on the spot as he tried to steal electricity wires and infrastructure components from Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) poles.
According to witnesses, the man climbed a utility pole with the apparent intent to strip wires and other electrical components. However, he was met with a fatal electric shock, leaving his body suspended on the pole. A distressing video captured at the scene shows KPLC technicians retrieving the lifeless body, which had become entangled in the equipment.
Police have since moved the body to Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital as investigations begin into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The event has stirred strong emotions among local residents. Some blamed the growing cases of youth unemployment as a possible driver behind the attempted theft.
“It is sad and painful that the young man died while trying to earn a living. We believe he may have been pushed by joblessness. We are asking the government to create employment opportunities for the youth to avoid such tragedies,” said a resident identified as Sai.
Others suspect the deceased could be linked to a recent spate of thefts involving security lights installed by the previous county administration. Most of the street lighting infrastructure in the area has reportedly been stolen or vandalized.
Local authorities have issued a stern warning to members of the public, especially the youth, urging them not to engage in criminal or life-threatening activities. They noted a rise in such incidents and emphasized that tampering with electricity infrastructure is not only illegal but extremely dangerous.
“This is a tragic reminder of the deadly risks involved in interfering with electrical installations. We are urging all residents to report suspicious activity and work with law enforcement to keep our communities safe,” a police spokesperson said.
Kenya Power officials also condemned the attempted theft, warning that such acts jeopardize public safety and disrupt power supply to entire communities.
As the community mourns the loss, calls for better youth empowerment and stronger infrastructure protection continue to grow in the wake of the deadly incident.
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