In a shocking and tragic incident in Lelan Ward, Loyamuruk Village,West Pokot County, the community mourns the sudden death of ECDE teacher Milkah Chenangat Ngolepus killed in a lightning strike.
It is reported that the teacher and her neighbor were in normal routine day of harvesting onions in the farm, suddenly the heavy rain began to pour prompting the two women to take cover under a nearby tree when an unexpected storm struck.
In an instant, lightning struck, fatally hitting Milkah. Her neighbor narrowly escaped, saved only by the shoes she was wearing at the time. The peaceful fields were instantly transformed into a scene of grief and shock.
Milkah has been condoled as a dedicated and respected teacher, known for her commitment to early childhood education and nurturing young minds. Her sudden death has left her family, colleagues, and learners heartbroken. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of outdoor work during storms and the importance of simple yet vital safety measures.
Experts advise several ways to reduce the risk of lightning strikes. Wearing shoes and rubber-soled footwear provides insulation from wet soil, while avoiding isolated tall objects, metal structures, and waterlogged areas can prevent fatal strikes. If caught outdoors without shelter, crouching low with feet together minimizes contact with the ground, and maintaining distance in groups reduces the risk of multiple casualties.
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The experts also advise that sheltering under the tree exposes one to the danger of strike. Communities are encouraged to stay alert to sudden weather changes, monitor forecasts, and educate residents about lightning safety. Installing lightning rods on buildings, creating safe communal shelters in fields, and avoiding the use of metal tools during storms are additional preventive measures that can save lives.
Following the incident, the KUNNOPET West Pokot County Executive Secretary, Joseph Sarich, expressed his heartfelt condolences to Milkah Ngolepus’s family on behalf of all teachers. He described her death as “deeply painful and shocking,” praised her dedication to education, and called on the community to prioritize safety and support one another in times of grief.
The tragic loss of Milkah Chenangat Ngolepus is a sobering reminder of how quickly life can change and how small safety measures can mean the difference between survival and tragedy. As the community mourns, it is also galvanized to raise awareness about lightning safety, protect lives in rural areas, and honor the legacy of a devoted educator.
By Hillary Muhalya
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