A 56-year-old woman from Chepkochum village in Konoin subcounty of Bomet county died when she was hit by a falling tree on Wednesday afternoon.
Mosonik location acting chief Elijah Rotich said that the woman was going home at around 2:40 pm when a strong wind blew off a eucalyptus tree that hit her head.
“She had luggage in her head and was rushing home because there were visitors who were waiting for her and unfortunately the tree fell on her,” Rotich said
He said the heartbreaking incident occurred while heavy rains with strong winds were pondering the region and bringing down the trees.
She succumbed to head injuries and was pronounced dead on the spot.
The body was taken to Kapkatet County Hospital mortuary for preservation awaiting post-mortem examinations.
Officials have not yet revealed the victim’s name.
The administrator advised residents to get rid of old trees that pose a danger to residents.
“Such trees pose the biggest danger during storms and rains, and have proved to be a threat to human life,” he said.
The chief urged the area residents to be on the lookout especially on flood waters, mudslides and landslides, especially during this rainy season.
“These current heavy rains have caused the rivers to flood and mudslides in the high-level areas that resulted in loss of lives and destruction of properties and you should exercise caution to avoid any catastrophes,” Rotich said.
He said residents who are facing dangers should relocate to safer grounds to avoid more catastrophes.
“I am appealing to the locals to be alert and not to underrate any water especially this time of year when there is heavy downpour in most parts of the country,” he said.
His comments came a day after four members of a family in Torokiat village in Narok county were killed by mudslides.
The family of four, a father aged 35 years, his wife aged 24 years and two children aged 5 and 3 respectively lost their lives in the tragedy.
The mudslide happened following heavy rainfall experienced overnight in the region.
