A man identified as Nelson Wamboka Mangala, has filed a lawsuit against Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC) after being severely injured in an electrocution incident at an apartment building in Ruaka.
On January 18, Mangala was cleaning an apartment unit when he accidentally came into contact with low-hanging electric wires on the balcony leading to his electrocution.
He was rushed to Rua Family Hospital for emergency treatment and later transferred upon recommendation to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for further treatment.
At KNH he was diagnosed with severe burns on his face, right hand, left arm, forearm, and severe extensor injuries.
He underwent multiple surgeries, including escharotomy, fasciotomy, debridement, and amputation of his right mid-forearm.
His treatment has been ongoing since the incident, and due to this he has incurred significant medical expenses.
“The hospital had to amputate my arm and start the rehabilitation process to address my injuries. I have been receiving treatment ever since the incident,” he said.
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Mangala Moves to Court Seeking Compensation
Following the incident, Mangala moved to court and sued KPLC, seeking compensation for the life altering injuries he sustained.
He accused KPLC of negligent, reckless, and liable conduct, citing poor cable management and faulty wiring as the cause of the electrocution.
“The electrocution by the electric cables and the injuries the plaintiff sustained are a direct result of Kenya Power Company’s negligent, reckless and liable conduct,” he said through Mogaka Elkana Advocates.
He claims that the company failed to warn users about dangerous equipment and live electrical cables lying nearby, which endangered his life.
“Consequent to these injuries, the plaintiff is suffering immensely and has already incurred huge medical bills for corrective surgery and general treatment,” Mangala’s lawyers said in court.
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Mangala’s Demands to KPLC
In the court documents, Mangala said he had incurred a total of Ksh 704,863 in medical expenses, including Ksh 348,991 at KNH and Ksh 355,872 in other medical facilities before his admission at KNH.
“Despite issuing demands to Kenya Power Company, it has failed to make good the claim,” Mangala said while speaking in court.
The lack of response by the company has prompted Mangala to seek special damages amounting to Ksh 355,872, general damages for pain and suffering, loss of future earnings, and future medical expenses.
“I pray for any other relief that this court may deem fit and just in the circumstances,” he said
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