Dark clouds had gathered over Awendo long before the first thunderclap split the sky. Residents moved quickly to seek shelter as the rain intensified, with many retreating indoors while others hurried along muddy paths to escape the looming storm.
What began as a typical afternoon downpour soon turned into a moment of shock and grief for a quiet village in Migori County.
Panic spread when a loud crack of thunder was followed by screams from a homestead where several people had been taking cover.
Neighbours rushed toward the scene, unsure of what had happened but fearing the worst. Within moments, it became clear that the incident was far more serious than anyone had anticipated.
A 28-year-old woman lost her life after being struck by lightning during the heavy rains in Awendo.
According to witnesses, the victim had been sheltering inside a house when the lightning struck, sending a powerful electric surge through the structure. She collapsed instantly, leaving those around her in shock.
Family members and neighbours attempted to assist her, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Local authorities later confirmed that she had died on the spot due to the severity of the strike.
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The incident has left the community shaken, with many struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.
Residents described the lightning strike as unusually intense, noting that it occurred at the peak of the storm.
Some reported hearing a deafening sound followed by a brief power outage in the area, suggesting the force of the strike may have affected nearby electrical systems.
Local leaders have since urged residents to exercise caution during storms, emphasizing the dangers posed by lightning.
They advised people to remain indoors, avoid using electrical appliances, and stay away from open fields or tall objects when thunderstorms occur.
The tragedy has also reignited conversations about lightning safety in rural areas, where access to proper shelter and lightning protection measures can be limited.
Community members are now calling for increased awareness and preventive strategies to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
Authorities in Migori County have extended their condolences to the bereaved family, describing the incident as a heartbreaking reminder of the unpredictable nature of extreme weather.
Arrangements for the woman’s burial are currently underway as relatives and friends continue to mourn her untimely death.
As heavy rains continue to be experienced in various parts of the country, Kenyans are being reminded to remain vigilant and prioritize safety during storms to avoid further tragedies.
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