Karongi: Lightning kills four cows, three sheep, leaves elderly farmers destitute

By The Inspirer.

At least four cows and three sheep were killed by lightning during heavy rains accompanied by strong winds in Karongi District, western Rwanda, dealing a major blow to two elderly women farmers who depended on the livestock for their livelihoods.

The incident occurred in Gitesi and Rugabano sectors. In Gitesi Sector, lightning struck and killed three cows and three sheep belonging to 70-year-old Alphonsine Mukarwego, a resident of Nzabuhara Village, Kirambo Cell.

In a separate incident in Rugabano Sector, another cow owned by 67-year-old Languide Mukakayijuka from Muciro Village, Gisiza Cell, was also killed.

The affected farmers say the loss has left them financially stranded, as none of the animals was insured. Mukarwego said two of her three cows were lactating, and that each cow was valued at no less than Rwf 1 million, while each sheep was worth more than Rwf 70,000.

“These animals were my only source of income and nutrition. Losing all of them at once has left me with nothing,” Mukarwego said, adding that district leaders had visited and pledged support.

Mukakayijuka, a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, said the cow killed by lightning was a descendant of a Girinka cow she had previously received through the government programme. The original cow had died earlier, leaving behind a calf that grew into a productive animal.

“This was the second cow from the Girinka programme that I have lost. I was hoping it would sustain me in my old age,” she said, appealing for compensation to enable her to continue accessing milk.

Karongi District Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, Julienne Ntakirutimana, confirmed the incidents and said the district had moved quickly to assess the damage and support the affected families.

“The farmer in Gitesi lost three cows, two of which were lactating, and three sheep. Each cow was worth at least Rwf 1 million, making this a very heavy loss,” Ntakirutimana said. “We have assured both farmers that the district will compensate them so that they can rebuild their livelihoods.”

She noted that parts of Karongi are highly prone to lightning strikes, especially during the rainy season, and urged residents to strictly follow safety guidelines to protect both people and livestock.

The vice mayor also warned against consuming meat from animals killed by lightning, saying such animals must be buried, and that anyone found slaughtering them for consumption would face severe penalties.

She further encouraged farmers to take up livestock insurance, noting that government-subsidised schemes make insurance affordable. “Had these animals been insured, compensation would have been immediate, allowing life and production to continue with minimal disruption,” she said.