Residents of Mbaya village, Lelan Location in West Pokot County are living in fear and distress.
This is after lightning struck and killed two cows on spot on Thursday evening following a brief downpour in the area.
Confirming the incident,the area Chief Mr. Daniel Nguriatudo, said the strike occurred shortly after a brief downpour hit the area late in the day.
The tragic incident occurred at around 6:20 PM, leaving local farmer Mr. Petro Kudungole counting heavy losses. The cows, which were grazing near the homestead, were struck and killed instantly. The estimated value of the two animals is Kshs. 100,000.
“I was just preparing to bring the animals back into the shed when I heard a loud bang. Moments later, I found my cows lying motionless,” said Mr. Kudungole, visibly shaken. “This is a huge loss for me. Those cows were my only source of livelihood.”
Residents of the area have called on the county government and local disaster response teams to support the affected family. Mr. Kudungole also appealed for assistance from the authorities, saying, “I hope the government or well-wishers can step in and help me recover from this loss. Replacing the animals will not be easy.”
This latest incident comes just a month after a similar tragedy in Kapkanyar Lelan division where a lightning strike killed nine cows belonging to the family of Kamaran Akoma. The family suffered an estimated loss of Kshs. 540,000.
“This is the worst thing that has ever happened to us. We depended on these animals for our livelihood, and now we have nothing left,” said Kamaran Akoma at the time.
The Kamaran and Mr. Kudungole, appealed for urgent intervention from the county government under the Ministry of Disaster Management, especially during these economically difficult times.
Written by, Andrew Jumah
