A grieving family in Mombasa is demanding justice and answers after their loved one was electrocuted while on duty. Jimmy Kitavi, a father of three and an employee of Eurocraft Company, died from an electric shock at Moi International Airport on January 2. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. while he was performing his official duties. A postmortem report has since confirmed electrocution as the cause of death.
Family’s Anguish and Calls for Accountability
The victim’s brother, Paul Kitavi, expressed the family’s turmoil. He stated they have been struggling to understand exactly what happened at the workplace. Their own inquiries and the official postmortem confirmed Kitavi died from an electric shock on the job. The family now fears the matter may be swept under the rug despite what they call clear facts surrounding his death.
A Widow’s Plea and Unanswered Questions
Kitavi’s wife, Mercy Chepkonga, made an emotional appeal for justice. She described her husband as the family’s sole breadwinner, leaving her and their three children without support. His uncle, Kigosi Nzuki, raised a critical question: why were family members who live far away notified first, while his wife, who was nearby in Mombasa, was not contacted directly by the employer?
Employer’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
The employer, Eurocraft Company, has acknowledged the incident. A company representative stated that investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are still ongoing. Eurocraft maintains it will take appropriate action once the official probe concludes. This has done little to reassure the family, who seek immediate transparency and accountability.
A Broader Issue of Workplace Safety
This tragic incident highlights critical workplace safety concerns in Kenya, especially in technical and high-risk environments like airports. Proper safety protocols, equipment checks, and emergency response procedures are essential to prevent such fatalities. For context on occupational safety standards, the International Labour Organization’s safety guidelines provide a global framework.
The Path Forward: Justice and Prevention
The family’s demand for justice underscores a need for swift and thorough investigative processes. They await the DCI’s findings and hope for a conclusive report that leads to accountability. Beyond this single case, the tragedy calls for a broader review of safety enforcement at worksites across the country to protect other workers from similar fates.
A Life Lost, A Family Seeking Answers
Jimmy Kitavi’s death is a preventable tragedy that has devastated a family. As investigations proceed, the central demands are for clarity, accountability, and systemic change. His family’s plea for justice is a reminder that workplace safety is not a bureaucratic formality but a matter of life and death. The outcome of this case will be closely watched as a test of accountability for occupational hazards in Kenya.
