By Kevin Odera
Parents in Kakamega are calling on the government to install lightning arresters in schools and public locations with the aim of averting deaths.
Led by Chairman of the Isukha council of elders Musa Shundu, they asked the county and national government on Wednesday to set aside funds to purchase and install the equipment as soon as possible.
He claimed that during the late president Moi’s era, all rural schools in storm prone areas were fitted with the arresters.
“Back in the day there were few cases of individuals being struck by lightning unlike now. We believe the installation of such equipment will save lives,” said Shundu.
He revealed that lightning strikes were rampant in the area and took away lives every single month.
However, he added that previously installed arrestors were looted and funds sabotaged by corrupt officials.
Thus he requested the government to purchase and secure the needed equipment in order to prevent vandalism.
The community leader, Solomon Alushula stated that not less than two lightning strikes were reported daily in the area.
“At least two lightning strikes are reported around here but we know there are many other places beyond Kakamega and outside Western that this phenomenon happens,” he said.
The county is known for its extreme rainfall and deadly lightning strikes which has previously led to deaths and destruction of property worth millions of shillings.
