Mombasa family mourns 24-year-old kin electrocuted by exposed power lines
By Farhiya Hussein |
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a probe into the incident, promising a detailed report upon completion of their investigations.
A family in Mombasa is mourning the tragic loss of their 24-year-old relative, Omar Galgalo, who died after being electrocuted by exposed live wires at Makadara Grounds in Old Town Ward, Mombasa.
Area MCA Abdulrahman Hussein, while consoling the bereaved family at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) mortuary, revealed that preliminary findings point to an unresolved electrical fault as the cause of the incident at the popular recreational grounds.
Hussein condemned the incident, attributing it to negligence by the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). He noted that similar cases have occurred in recent months without effective intervention.
“This is not an isolated case. Such incidents in this area are a result of severe negligence by KPLC. We call on the authorities to address this matter urgently to prevent further tragedies in Mombasa,” said Hussein.
He further stated that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a probe into the incident, promising a detailed report upon completion of their investigations.
Jamila Ibrahim, a family member and Chairperson of the Cushitic Community in Mvita, described the late Omar, a community health worker, as another victim of neglected and hazardous power lines across the island.
A Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) transformer near Marikiti Market, Mvita sub-county, Mombasa. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
Ibrahim highlighted that poorly maintained power cables and unorganised electrical connections, particularly in Mvita, are the primary contributors to the rising cases of electrocution in the area.
“In recent months, we’ve lost three lives due to these preventable accidents. A senior citizen died in Marikiti, and now this promising young man. It’s time for the relevant authorities to step up and resolve this dangerous situation before another life is lost,” she urged.
Former Garsen MP, Hon Ibrahim Sane, speaking on behalf of the family, confirmed that investigations are ongoing at the site where Omar was electrocuted.
“We cannot sit back while young lives are cut short due to negligence. Once investigations are complete, we plan to take legal action against Kenya Power to ensure accountability,” Sane remarked.
Ali Sheikh Aden, Chairman of the Cushitic Community in Mombasa, expressed his concern over the frequency of such incidents, stating that three electrocution deaths have been recorded in Old Town Ward this year alone.
He reiterated that these fatalities are a result of KPLC’s failure to address the issue of dangling live cables.
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