Habaswein Tragedy: MCA Ahmed Diis Calls for Urgent Investigation After Elderly Man and Livestock Are Electrocuted

By Ahmed Salat Ali | AARAN TV KE 

Habaswein Ward in Wajir South Constituency has been thrown into mourning following a tragic incident in which an elderly man and several of his livestock were electrocuted after electricity poles collapsed into a waterway near Dilmanyale.

The early morning incident has sparked alarm among residents and local leaders, raising serious concerns about the safety and maintenance of electricity infrastructure in the area.

Habaswein Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Hon. Ahmed Diis Haji has called for an urgent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, terming it a devastating and preventable tragedy.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life this morning near Dilmanyale in Habaswein Ward, where an elderly man and his livestock were electrocuted after electricity poles collapsed into a waterway,” said Hon. Haji.

The MCA extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, noting that the loss was not only emotional but also a severe economic blow to the household.

“This is a devastating and preventable tragedy that should never have occurred. The presence of fallen live wires in a public access area is extremely dangerous and poses a serious threat to innocent lives,” he said.

Hon. Haji raised concerns over the safety standards, maintenance, and response mechanisms of the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), particularly in rural and underserved areas where electricity infrastructure is often poorly maintained.

He urged the power utility and relevant government agencies to take immediate action to secure the affected site and prevent further danger to residents.

The MCA further demanded full accountability if negligence is found to have contributed to the collapse of the electricity poles.

“Public safety must never be compromised. It is the responsibility of all state agencies and service providers to ensure that infrastructure is safe, properly maintained, and promptly repaired when faults occur,” he added.

Hon. Haji also called for adequate and timely compensation for the affected family, emphasizing that compensation should reflect both the loss of life and the economic value of the livestock lost.

In addition, he urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive audit of electricity infrastructure along key rural power lines, particularly along the Habaswein–Abakore, Habaswein–Madogashe, and Habaswein–Samatar routes, to identify and address potential safety risks before more lives are endangered.

He reaffirmed his solidarity with the grieving family and the wider Habaswein community, pledging to pursue justice, accountability, and stronger safety measures to protect residents.

“May the soul of the departed rest in peace,” he said.