KAJIADO — Residents in parts of Kajiado are being urged to stay on high alert as heavy rains continue to sweep through the region, following a deadly lightning strike that killed dozens of livestock on Wednesday.
At least 36 goats and sheep belonging to Mzee Martin Partimo were struck dead in Oltiasika village, located in the Imbirikani/Eselenkei Ward. The animals were grazing near his homestead when lightning hit during a storm in the afternoon.
“It was sudden. One loud bang and they were all down,” said Partimo, visibly shaken. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
This is the second time the area has experienced such a strike in recent weeks. Locals are growing increasingly concerned about the dangers posed by the storms.
Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho visited the affected family and called for greater caution across the county.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss,” Mr Moshisho said. “I urge all residents to take necessary precautions. Avoid open fields during storms and stay sheltered when it rains.”
Kajiado, like many parts of Kenya, has seen heavier-than-usual rainfall this month. Meteorological officials have warned of continued thunderstorms in the coming days, especially in open and semi-arid areas.
While no human lives were lost in the latest incident, the economic impact on pastoralist families is significant. In areas like Oltiasika, livestock is not just a livelihood — it’s a way of life.
Local leaders say they’re working with disaster response teams to educate communities on lightning safety, but call for longer-term strategies, including community shelters and early warning systems.
For now, though, residents are left with grief, and a sense of unease.
“It’s God’s work, yes,” said one neighbour. “But we must be more careful — or we’ll keep mourning.”
