A Kenya Power employee, Joshua Wasakha Wangeni, was arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for allegedly demanding a bribe to reconnect electricity at a godown in Nairobi.
According to the EACC, Wangeni had disconnected the electricity supply to the godown and demanded Ksh 300,000 as a “facilitation fee” to restore it.
After negotiations, the amount was reduced to Ksh 200,000.
However, the complainant refused to pay and instead reported the matter to the EACC, leading to an undercover operation to apprehend the suspect.
EACC officers arrested Wangeni while he was in the process of receiving the bribe.
He was taken to Kilimani Police Station, where he was held briefly before being released on police bail pending further investigations.
This arrest is part of a broader effort by the EACC to tackle bribery and corruption in public service delivery, which continues to undermine trust in government institutions and state-owned companies like Kenya Power.
This incident highlights the growing frustration among Kenyans regarding unethical practices within Kenya Power.
For years, customers have complained about corruption and inefficiency in the company, with employees allegedly exploiting their positions to extort money from the public.
Such practices not only tarnish the reputation of the organization but also disrupt critical services for businesses and households that rely on reliable electricity.
The arrest also underscores the importance of public participation in fighting corruption. The EACC commended the complainant for refusing to give in to the illegal demands and reporting the case instead.
This demonstrates that citizens can play a vital role in holding public servants accountable and ensuring that corrupt individuals are brought to justice.
However, this case is a symptom of a deeper problem within Kenya Power. Calls for reforms have grown louder in recent years, with stakeholders demanding stronger oversight, increased transparency, and better management of the company.
Without addressing the root causes of corruption, such as weak accountability structures and a lack of ethical enforcement, similar cases are likely to persist.
While the EACC’s crackdown is commendable, tackling corruption at Kenya Power requires more than individual arrests.
Systemic reforms aimed at improving accountability and governance must be implemented to restore public confidence in the company.
Until then, cases like Wangeni’s will remain a stark reminder of the challenges facing Kenya’s public institutions and the urgent need for change.
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