A Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) employee, Joshua Wasakha Wangeni, has been arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for allegedly demanding a Ksh.300,000 bribe to reconnect electricity that he had previously disconnected. The incident, which occurred in Nairobi, has raised concerns about corruption within state-owned utilities, with investigations underway.
The suspect, Wangeni, a KPLC employee responsible for electricity disconnections, reportedly approached a godown operator and demanded a substantial sum of money to facilitate the reconnection of power. Initially, Wangeni asked for Ksh.300,000, but after some negotiations, the bribe was reduced to Ksh.200,000. Despite the reduced amount, the complainant refused to comply with the illegal demand and instead chose to report the matter to the EACC.
In response to the complaint, the EACC immediately launched an operation to apprehend the suspect. Officers were deployed and were able to arrest Wangeni while he was in the process of receiving the bribe. The operation was executed swiftly, demonstrating the commitment of the EACC to combat corruption within government institutions.
Following his arrest, Wangeni was taken to Kilimani Police Station where he was detained for questioning. He was later released on bail on Thursday, pending the completion of investigations. The EACC has stated that it will continue with the probe to ensure that all those involved in the corrupt activity are held accountable.
The arrest of the KPLC employee highlights the ongoing efforts by the EACC to tackle corruption within public service institutions, particularly those dealing with essential services like electricity. The energy sector, which serves millions of Kenyans, has long been under scrutiny for allegations of malpractice, including bribery and misuse of power. The EACC’s vigilance in this case is seen as a positive step toward restoring trust in the country’s utilities sector.
This arrest comes at a time when Kenya has been intensifying its fight against corruption across all levels of government. The government’s commitment to reducing graft is evident, but cases like this serve as a reminder of the persistent challenges in eradicating corrupt practices in public service. The outcome of this investigation will likely have wider implications, reinforcing the importance of accountability within public service organizations.
The KPLC, in particular, has previously faced criticism for its disconnection practices, with many customers reporting exorbitant fees and the arbitrary cutting off of power. The incident involving Wangeni further highlights the need for reforms to ensure that public utilities serve the people without corruption or exploitation.
