A 12-year-old boy is battling severe electrical burns after he was allegedly electrocuted by loose, hanging power lines in Donholm Phase 8, Nairobi.
AA sustained burns covering approximately 35 per cent of his body in the August 9, incident, with his family accusing the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) of negligence.
The boy was rushed to Nairobi West Hospital, where he remains under treatment for what his lawyers have described as severe third-degree electrical burns.
Through their lawyers, Masaki, Omayio & Gathu Advocates, the family has issued a seven-day demand to Kenya Power, seeking compensation and an immediate assumption of responsibility for the incident.
In a demand letter dated August 19, and addressed to the utility company’s Managing Director, the lawyers allege that Ahmed came into contact with “loose and dangerously hanging live power lines” that were inadequately secured.
The lawyers contend that the power lines posed an obvious and foreseeable danger to members of the public, including children in the area.
They accuse Kenya Power of failing in its duty to ensure that its electricity infrastructure was properly maintained and kept in a reasonably safe condition.
“Your company is wholly liable for the accident and the consequent injuries,” the lawyers stated in the demand letter.
The family says the injuries could have long-term consequences for the boy, with his lawyers warning that he may require prolonged medical treatment, specialised reviews and potentially reconstructive procedures.
The extent of any permanent scarring, disfigurement or functional impairment is yet to be fully established and is expected to be addressed in subsequent medical reports.
The family is demanding that Kenya Power immediately and unconditionally admit liability, assume responsibility for all medical and related expenses and enter negotiations for an amicable settlement.
They are also seeking compensation for general damages, future medical expenses and any other damages that may be legally recoverable.
The lawyers have further demanded a copy of Kenya Power’s incident investigation report and maintenance records relating to the power lines involved in the accident.
Kenya Power has been given seven days to respond to the demands.
Should the utility company fail to provide a satisfactory response within the stipulated period, the lawyers have warned that the family will commence legal proceedings against the company.
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