Grade nine student injured by electric shock in Busia

A 15-year-old Grade nine student from Edakha village in Busia County is fighting for his life after suffering a severe electric shock caused by fallen live wires.

According to family members, the boy was preparing to sit for his Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KEPSEA) exams later this year.

The teenager, who was on his way to the river, unknowingly stepped into a dangerous trap when he encountered fallen power lines lying across a road.

The power returned while the boy was in the middle of the cables, resulting in a violent electric shock that left him with serious injuries.

Now, the dreams of the young student hang in the balance as he battles pain and trauma in a local hospital.

  “He was heading to the river when he came across live electric wires lying across the road. While he was in the middle of them, power returned and electrocuted him. He collapsed and is still in pain,” said a local resident.

The boy’s parents have pointed fingers at the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), accusing it of negligence.

They claim that locals had earlier reported the fallen wires, but no action was taken.

“My plea is to Kenya power to intervene, ensure the child is treated, and help figure out how he will live going forward,” the boy’s father said.

The student’s mother added that the injuries are so severe that doctors have already amputated some of his fingers and are now planning to perform surgery on his head.

“His fingers have been amputated, and now they want to operate on his head,” she said emotionally.

The incident has not only robbed a bright student of his ability to write exams but also shattered the peace of a family that now lives in anxiety over their child's future.

The incident has sparked outrage among residents who now demand accountability and urgent support for the family.

If the KPLC had responded to the earlier reports, this incident would not have occured to the young boy and he would still be healthy.

The father has asked KPLC to not only take responsibility for the injury but also pay for all the boy’s medical expenses and offer compensation.

The father is also calling for a thorough audit of all exposed or damaged electric lines in the region to prevent similar tragedies.

As the young boy continues his recovery journey, his family is left clinging to hope, calling for justice, and appealing to the KPLC  to support them during this difficult time.