Two people have lost their lives after being struck by lightning in separate incidents in Makueni County on Monday evening following heavy rainfall experienced across the region.
A five-year-old PP2 pupil was killed by lightning in Kyumani area, Kibwezi, while a 35-year-old man died after being struck at Matiliku in Makueni Constituency at around the same time.
According to authorities who confirmed the incidents, the adult victim was outdoors when the lightning struck and died on the spot.
The young child, who was seated at the doorway of a house in Masongaleni Ward at the time of the incident, was rushed to a nearby dispensary where the child was confirmed dead.
Authorities further reported that the number of people who have lost their lives in relation to the ongoing rains in Makueni County has now risen to 18.
Officials have urged residents to take precautionary measures during heavy rains and thunderstorms to avoid similar tragedies.
