A football match in Luchululo village in Nangina ward, Funyula Constituency, Kenya, turned tragic on Sunday after lightning struck to death one player and left at least six others injured.
The victim who succumbed to the strike was 20-year-old Allan Mbote who was celebrating his team’s (Red Sharks) equaliser against arch-rivals Reybentos during the launch of the Nangina Ward Soccer tournament at Luchululo Primary School grounds.
Mbote, a defender, was also a second-year student at Kenyatta University.
While confirming the incident, Funyula OCPD Mary Kiarie said three players are recuperating at Nangina Mission Hospital under close examination while three others have been 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,” she said in a phone interview.
The incident happened just a day after lightning struck Kakapel Village in Teso North Sub County on Saturday evening killing three members of one family and injuring three others.
Red Sharks, who are the defending champions of the tournament, were trailing 1-0 at half time during the encounter that was marred by intermittent rains.
