A family in Maina village in the outskirts of Nyahururu town is crying for justice after their 12 year old daughter was electrocuted while fetching water in a nearby Gathara river.
The girl, Mercy Munjiru Maina, was to join Grade 5 when learning resumes Monday next week, but unfortunately this will not happen as her life was cut short as a result of illegal electricity connection.
According to the eyewitnesses and family, Mercy and her peers had gone to fetch water, Thursday, last week at a nearby river that traverses the slum village.
As she fetched water at the river, Mercy slipped and she sought support from a nearby wire mesh fence unknown to her that it was connected to electricity which electrocuted her.
The seventh born child in a family of nine and a pupil at Maina Primary School died on the spot.
Her parents, who are yet to come to terms with the sudden demise of their daughter, have said they shall pursue the case to the end in ensuring justice is accorded to their daughter.
They described her as a hardworking and ambitious girl at home and in school and they were hoping she would have turned out to be a career woman who would later get the family out of their poverty.
“She was very active both at home and school. At home she would clean all the utensils and fill all the jerry cans with water by herself,” said devastated, Ms Wanjiru, her mother
While demanding for her daughter’s justice, Mr Peter Maina, said that Mercy was full of good health on January 12, 2023 when he left her at home.
“I was shocked to be called in the afternoon and told that my daughter had died. It was very painful to lose so suddenly a healthy young girl who had a future full of promise,” said Maina.
A postmortem report from Nyahururu County Referral Hospital, shows that the teenager was electrocuted.
On Wednesday, Calls for justice dominated speeches during the burial of the minor at Siberia public cemetery.
Mercy’s peers and classmates at Maina Primary School moved the mourners when they recited a poem calling for justice for her.
The church, family members and community leaders, also urged the home owner who has since gone into hiding to surrender to police immediately.
Pastor James Nderitu of Full Gospel Churches of Kenya (FGCK), said Mercy was among several pupils from poor backgrounds in the slums area who are supported by the Church.
Maina Location Senior Chief, Joseph Muraya, confirmed that the fence had been illegally connected with a high voltage electricity.
“It was an illegal connection and that is why Kenya Power Company disconnected the whole home after the incident,” said Chief Muraya.
The Administrator said that no one had reported either to him or his Assistants that an eclectic shock had been reported at the river.
Police are investigating the incident.
By Antony Mwangi
