arents in Longewan, Baringo South, are demanding that Kenya Power urgently remove decaying electricity poles following the death of an 11-year-old boy.
The boy, a pupil at Longewan Primary School, was walking home from school when an old electricity pole suddenly collapsed and fell on him, killing him instantly. Other pupils who were walking behind him narrowly escaped injury.
The tragedy has thrown the village into mourning, with residents accusing Kenya Power of ignoring repeated warnings about weak and decaying poles. Locals say the electricity line was installed in 2013 and many of the poles have never been replaced.
At the family home, relatives and neighbours gathered to comfort the grieving family. The boy’s father, Ezekiah Lanoi, said he received the news with great pain, adding that all the hopes he had for his son had been cut short.
Lanoi accused Kenya Power of failing to act despite numerous reports from residents about the dangerous condition of the poles. He is now demanding justice and compensation, saying the tragedy could have been prevented.
Village elder David Olemayana said the community welcomed electricity in 2013 with hopes of development, but instead they have faced years of neglect. He noted that more than eight poles have already collapsed in the area.
Another resident, Musa Dedenyi, said the community had high expectations when electricity was introduced, hoping schools, churches, hospitals, and homes would benefit. Instead, many residents remain without power while the infrastructure continues to deteriorate.