Detectives intensify probe into Grade Two pupil's death

Dylan Omwenga died while playing with friends when he came into contact with an electric barrier erected to protect a water pump at their Zone 8 home in Umoja 2, Nairobi. [Courtesy]

Detectives at Buruburu Police Station have said they are at an advanced stage of investigations into the death of a seven-year-old boy who was electrocuted on May 11 at around 4 pm.

Dylan Omwenga died while playing with friends when he came into contact with an electric barrier erected to protect a water pump at their Zone 8 home in Umoja 2, Nairobi.

Witnesses said on the fateful day, Dylan ran downstairs to pick a ball, only to touch the live wires of the grill that electrocuted him to death.

Buruburu Directorate of Criminal Investigation said the probe will focus on the conduct of Kenya Power and the landlord.

“We are not leaving any stone unturned in this case. This case involves several parties and is partly why we have not made any arrest yet, but once things are clear from all parties involved, I can assure you that we shall swing into action and justice will be served,” said a detective who sought anonymity.

Dylan was laid to rest last Friday at the parent's home in Nyangorora village, Nyamira county, amid calls for justice.

“I don’t know how I will live without my son. This is pure negligence, and it must be treated as such. Why would anyone have dangerous live connections close to children’s play area? We must be told the truth,” said Malachi Misiani, Dylan’s father.

Mr Misiani, who works in Mombasa, said he received news of the accident and immediately embarked the eight-hour journey to Nairobi.

“This hit me hard. A lot of things ran through my mind as I journeyed to Nairobi. I sobbed and sobbed like a little child. This is unbelievable,” he told The Standard.

Dante, a bodaboda rider who took Dylan to Mama Lucy Hospital, recounted events of the fateful day.

“The moment I saw the little boy, I knew all was not well. We rushed him to the hospital, but it didn’t take long before the doctors declared he was gone,” said Dante.

At Potters Juniors Academy, where the boy was a Grade Two student, his desk remains empty. His friends and teachers are yet to come terms with his sudden demise.

“We have lost one of our best learners. He was always in the top ten in his class. His future was bright,” said Hellen Avisa, a teacher.

A man believed to be the landlord of the apartment where Dylan met his death declined to speak about the matter.