By Enock Okong’o
Kisii Governor Simba Arati has cautioned residents against taking shelter under trees in order to avoid deaths caused by thunderstorm. This comes after two footballers die due to lightening during a friendly match on Saturday in Kisii County.
Among other players who were affected include a Form Four and two Grade Seven pupils who were rushed to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment.
Speaking to Education News on phone yesterday, the governor sent condolences to the families of two players from the local Manyansi and Gianchore Football teams.
Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital CEO, Dr. Enock Ondari, confirmed their admission in the facility. He said they were out of danger because they were responding well to medication.
‘There is no cause for alarm because they will be discharged soon to continue with studies,” he said.
Dr. Ondari took the chance to tell the public that death by thunderstorms could be prevented if the populace understood their causes.
“We could avoid some of these deaths, we can prevent them by understanding their causes,” he cautioned.
Kitutu Chache North Branch Kenya Football Federation (KFF) officer, Charles Akanga, mourned the players as some of the men who promoted football in the region.
He appealed to the families to remain calm and promised that his Federation will stand with them as they mourn.
The bodies were kept at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation awaiting burial plans.
