Five villagers struck dead by lightning

Five people in different parts of North Rift have been killed by lightning. A couple and their child died on Thursday in Katalel village, Keiyo District.

Two other members of the family sustained serious injuries in the 8.30pm incident. “The family was asleep when their wooden house was hit by lightning, killing the three instantly,” said area police boss Angelus Karuru.

Property worth thousands of shillings was lost, he said. Mr Karuru said the injured were taken to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret for treatment. Hospital workers described their condition as stable.

Causing damage

“Residents should consider installing arresters in areas prone to lightning to avert such calamities,” the police boss said. Heavy rains have been pounding parts of the North Rift, causing damage to crops and vegetation.

In Pokot Central District, a man and a woman were struck dead by lightning and seven others seriously injured in Mosop village on Wednesday night.

District commissioner Jeremiah Were said the nine were struck during a downpour.It took Kenya Red Cross Society volunteers and police officers 10 hours to reach the village, located on a hill, to help the victims.