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Lightning strike kills teenage herder in Tana River

Sheikh Hamadi Galole suffered severe burns when he was struck by lightning in Tana River County on March 31, 2024. (Photo: File/AFP)

By Farhiya Hussein | 01 Apr 2024

Sheikh Hamadi Galole was struck while herding livestock near his home in in Tana Delta Sub-county.

Tragedy struck Tana River County on Sunday when a 15-year-old boy was killed by a lightning strike while herding livestock

Kone Mansa Location Chief Issa Ware identified the victim as student Sheikh Hamadi Galole.

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Galole, a final-year student at Odole Primary School in Tana Delta Sub-county, sought refuge under a tree when it started raining.

“A bolt of lightning pierced through the sky suddenly, striking the unsuspecting teenager and sealing his fate,” the chief said.

The boy suffered severe burns and died at the scene. He was buried in the area that evening.

Galole's death prompted calls for the government to install lightning arresters in the area to prevent similar tragedies.

The community also asked for measures to mitigate natural disasters.