A 37-year-old man died after being electrocuted while attempting to connect power illegally from a high-voltage line to his friend’s house in Kiliku village, Mbooni, Makueni County.
The deceased, identified as Joseph Musyoki, reportedly climbed an electricity pole in an effort to tap power when the fatal incident occurred.
According to witnesses, Musyoki was struck by a powerful electric current and fell from the pole, suffering severe burns to both legs.
“He was trying to draw power from the main line when we suddenly heard a loud bang. When we rushed there, he had already fallen,” said a local resident.
Musyoki was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police and Kenya Power Investigating
Authorities have launched investigations into the incident, which is suspected to be linked to illegal power tapping — a common but dangerous practice in rural and peri-urban areas.
Kenya Power officials have repeatedly warned against unauthorized electricity connections, citing the high risk of electrocution, fire, and death.
The body of the deceased was taken to the Mbooni Sub-County Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination.
Rising Cases of Power-Related Accidents
This incident adds to a growing number of fatal electrocutions reported across Kenya, often involving individuals attempting to connect power illegally or make unlicensed repairs.
Kenya Power has urged members of the public to always seek services from licensed technicians and report suspicious power connections through its official hotlines.
