The family of Jimmy Kitavi, an employee of Eurocraft Company, is seeking answers after he lost his life in a workplace incident that occurred on January 2 at around 4:00pm while carrying out his official duties at Moi International Airport in Mombasa.
A postmortem examination has confirmed that Kitavi died as a result of electric shock, raising serious concerns about workplace safety and accountability.
According to his brother, Paul Kitavi, the family has been left in distress and confusion as they struggle to understand what exactly transpired on the day of the incident.
“Kutoka huo wakati tumekuwa tukihangaika juu chini kujua ni nini kiini hasa kilichotokea huko kazini… vile tulifanya uchunguzi kiasi tulijua na pia tukafanya post mortem results zikatokea kuwa Kitavi alipigwa na shock ya stima huko kazini,” Paul said.
Eurocraft Company has acknowledged the incident, stating that investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are still ongoing. The company maintains that it will take appropriate action once the probe is concluded.
However, the family fears that the case could be swept under the rug, despite what they describe as clear and established facts surrounding Kitavi’s death.
Kitavi’s widow, Mercy Chepkonga, painted a heartbreaking picture of the impact his death has had on the family. She says her late husband was the sole breadwinner, leaving her financially stranded and uncertain about the future.
“Naomba haki itendeke maana sina mtu wa kumtegemea tena. Mume wangu alikuwa breadwinner, sina kazi na tulipoachana na yeye tulikuwa na mipango mingi sana kwa ajili ya familia,” she said.
Adding to the family’s concerns, Kitavi’s uncle, Kigosi Nzuki, questioned the circumstances under which the family was informed about the death.
“Swali kwanza kwa nini wakapiga simu nyumbani na bibi yake yuko Mombasa… na wako na namba yao. Hiyo swali nataka kujibiwa kwanza kwa maana tulishangaa sana kujua sisi wenyewe tukiwa mbali na yule bibi yuko karibu na kazi,” he stated.
The family is now appealing to authorities and relevant agencies to ensure justice is served, accountability is upheld, and workplace safety standards are enforced to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
