Tragedy as Grade 5 Pupil Electrocuted in Bomet

Grade 5 pupil of Kapkukumben Primary School in Chepalungu, Bomet County was reported to have been electrocuted on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, evening when he was going back home after school.

Confirming the incident, Cheleget Location Chief Daniel Tulmaat stated that the accident occurred around 4:00 p.m. as pupils were leaving school for home.

The ten-year-old boy, Elisha Kiprotich, reportedly climbed a wild fruit tree near their home to pick fruit when he came into contact with a live electric cable that had become entangled with the tree.

"We received reports of an unfortunate incident where a Grade 5 pupil was electrocuted yesterday around 4:00 p.m. while picking wild fruits on his way home," said Chief Tulmaat.

Elisha is said to have died instantly at the top of the tree after touching the live wires.

Efforts to remove him from the tree started after the area chief called Kenya Power to switch off the power in the area, a thing that the area chief said they responded to immediately.

"After we got this incident, I called the relevant authorities to switch off the power for this area, and the efforts to remove him from the tree started, "Tulmaat stated.

Chief Tulmaat has appealed to Kenya Power to conduct regular inspections in areas where power lines pass to ensure that no cables are in contact with trees or buildings, which can pose a danger to residents.

He says that people around the area have planted trees that have grown to higher heights, affecting the electric cables' connectivity, and thus, there's a need for regular patrols.

"I urge Kenya Power to frequently do line patrol in these areas and fix any faulty connections to prevent loss of lives and animals like this issue," Tulmaat added.

The chief also called on parents to closely monitor their children and caution them against climbing trees that are near electric power lines to avoid similar tragedies in the future.

The body of the boy was taken to Longisa County Referral Hospital mortuary.