Family seeks answers after son's death in milk boiler

Enoch Bii who suffered fatal burns in a boiler at a milk factory on May 30. He died on June 1. [Mercy Kahenda, Standard]

The family of a 26-year-old casual labourer who died after sustaining severe burns in a milk boiler at a firm in Rongai Sub-County has demanded investigations into the incident.

A law firm representing the family wants an explanation on what transpired at Sameer Agricultural and Livestock Limited on the fateful day.

Lawyer Winnie Lang’at of Kamoing and Company Advocates has given the makers of Daima milk three days to offer a satisfactory explanation to the family of Enoch Bii.

Speaking to The Standard yesterday, Ms Lang’at claimed the company, whose factory is located at Sachagwan along the Nakuru-Eldoret road, has been reluctant to explain how the incident occurred.

She said it is unfortunate that even after Bii suffered burns on May 30, the company has not recorded a statement with the police.

“It is not clear why the company is yet to report to authority despite Bii having been burnt while at work. I am planning to file the matter in court for justice,” she said.

Initial reports indicated that Bii, an electrical engineer, sustained the fatal injuries after he was ordered by his a supervisor to clean the boiler on May 30. Cleaning of the milk boiler is said to be an automated function.

John Rono, Bii’s father, yesterday said he is yet to understand how the incident occurred.

“I am still in shock to learn that my son was instructed to clean a boiler manually by his supervisor and while doing so, the machine was switched on, burning him alive,” Mr Rono said.

He said he received a phone call from Bii’s colleagues about the incident.

Bii was rushed to St Joseph Hospital in Molo and was later referred to War Memorial Hospital for specialised care. He died at the hospital’s intensive care unit on June 1.

Patricia Musale, the hospital’s matron, said the patient was received in a critical condition with 87 per cent burns.

Occurrence Book

The incident was reported at Salgaa Police Post via Occurrence Book Number 13/01/06/2019.

The family is seeking explanation from the company on what actually transpired as information on the incident has remained scanty.

Bii’s father also asked the company should compensate the family for loss of their loved one.

After Bii’s death, the company is said to have agreed to clear hospital bill of Sh100,000 and pledged to give Sh50,000 for funeral arrangements.

Bii had worked at the company for six months and his role was to blend yoghurt.

Bii’s wife Faith Bii said she received the news with shock. The couple was blessed with a son who is nine months old.

The company’s supervisor Sheila Koech declined to comment when contacted.

According a postmortem examination report from War Memorial Hospital, Bii succumbed to burns.

Rongai Sub-county Police Commander Richard Rotich said management of the milk factory had been instructed to record a statement today.

“I am aware about the incident that is under investigation,” said Mr Rotich.