71-year-old woman among three victims of separate electrocution incidents

Three individuals, including a 71-year-old woman, lost their lives in separate electrocution incidents, according to police reports.

The first tragedy took place during a funeral in the Nyawara area of Yala, Siaya County.

The victim, Josephine Aoko Otala, aged 71, was attending a night vigil on Saturday morning when the accident occurred.

Police revealed that a tent had been erected for the funeral, with electricity connected to provide lighting. Although an electrician had installed the power, exposed live wires were left hanging.

Otala approached the tent where the coffin was placed and touched the metal rods supporting the structure, which caused her to be electrocuted instantly.

Her body was later transferred to the mortuary as investigations got underway.

In a separate incident in Garissa Town, a Kenya Power electrician was electrocuted while performing maintenance on high-voltage cables in the Burburis area on June 5.

The victim, identified as Fundi Mutinda, was working alongside colleagues when the accident happened.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead upon arrival.

Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing and noted that power is typically switched off before such maintenance tasks.

Authorities also stated they would collaborate with Kenya Power to establish the cause of the incident.

In a third case in Malindi, Kilifi County, a 28-year-old car wash attendant was electrocuted while on duty.

The victim, identified as Emmanuel Kombe, collapsed while on duty and was immediately taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Police indicated that water used at the car wash had come into contact with live electrical wires.

His body was transferred to the mortuary, awaiting an autopsy and further investigations.