A promising career was cut short after a footballer was on Sunday struck dead by lightning while six others were left injured in Nangina ward, Funyula Constituency in Busia County during a football match.
The deceased identified as Allan Mbote, was killed during a goal celebration during the unveiling of the Nangina Ward Soccer tournament at Luchululo Primary School grounds.
The 20-year-old who played for the Red Sharks, had gone to celebrate with the rest of the teammates at the corner flag after equalizing against their fiercest rivals Reybenetos FC when lightning struck minutes after the game had resumed for the second half.
The six Red Sharks players were rushed to Nangina Mission Hospital.
Funyula OCPD Mary Kiarie confirmed the incident and stated that three of the players had been rushed to hospital and were recovering well while the other three were treated and discharged.
“The unfortunate incident happened when they were playing football in one of the tournaments organised by area MCA John Obwogo.
“One player identified as Allan Mbote died on the spot while three others were rushed to Nangina Hospital,” remarked Kiarie.
New venue for matches
The match had been temporarily stopped due to a heavy downpour during the first half of the match which the Red Sharks were trailing by a goal.
MCA John Obwogo pointed out that the rest of the matches would be moved to Funyula stadium with the final of the tournament set to take place on December 24.
“Lightning strikes in recent days across the county are a cause for worry”.
“I will push my colleagues in the other 34 wards across the county to set aside funds for installation of lightning arrestors in learning institutions in their wards,” stated Obwogo.