One Dead as Faulty KPLC Wires Connect to Clothesline

File image of Kenya Power technicians making repairs
An undated image of Kenya Power technicians making repairs
Kenya Power Twitter

A family in Mombasa is mourning the death of their kin who passed away after being electrocuted by a clothesline in the coastal city.

In a statement dated Tuesday, June 28, Kenya Power disclosed that the incident, which left one other person with serious injuries, took place on Monday, June 27.

The company further noted that investigations into the incident showed that a pole holding live wires had come into contact with the clothesline.

"Kenya Power is saddened by the tragic electrocution of a member of the public in the Montana area in Kisauni, Coast Region, after coming in contact with a live clothesline yesterday evening, which also left a second person nursing injuries.

Kenya Power building in Nairobi CBD.
Kenya Power building in Nairobi CBD.
Photo
Kenya Power

"A preliminary investigation report indicates that the clothesline was energised after an electric power pole fell on the roof of a neighbouring house, to which the line was connected, as a result of strong winds experienced in the area," read the statement in part.

The company also indicated that it has since secured the location and isolated the powerline from the clothesline.

"Upon receiving the emergency call, a technical team was immediately deployed to the site to isolate and de-energise the affected power line.

"In the meantime, Kenya Power is carrying out detailed investigations which will be forwarded to the police and other investigative authorities who are also conducting a parallel probe into the incident," added the statement.

The injured individual has been admitted to a Mombasa Hospital as investigations into the matter continue.

A year ago, the company had addressed increasing cases of electrocution in the country which had killed more than 345 individuals in a span of three years.

An official from the company argued that majority of the cases were caused by Kenyans who are careless in handling electric products at home and at work. 

The officer, however, admitted that KPLC and its contractors were to blame for about 26 per cent of the fatalities.

Nairobi South Operations team carrying out maintenance on the Kiboko high voltage power line along Loitokitok-Emali Rd on June 3, 2022
Nairobi South Operations team carrying out maintenance on the Kiboko high voltage power line along Loitokitok-Emali Rd on June 3, 2022.
KPLC
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