The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a Kenya Power official in connection with allegations of extorting a customer in exchange for reconnecting electricity at Runda Mumwe Estate.
The suspect, who is a meter reader attached to the Runda sector, allegedly demanded Ksh300,000 from a resident on January 24 to facilitate the reconnection of power.
According to investigations by the EACC, the suspects threatened to bill the complainant Ksh2,000,000 if he refused to pay the requested bribe.
Additionally, the suspect had previously disconnected electricity to the estate on October 25, 2025, citing an alleged illegal connection.
However, reports from the power company showed that the complainant had no outstanding electricity bill arrears at the time.
This prompted the complainant to file the complaint on February 27, after which the Commission conducted preliminary investigations and launched an investigation into the matter.
After the arrest, the Commission discovered that it had received Ksh 180,000 from the complainant.
The suspect was escorted to the Integrity Centre for processing before being taken to Kilimani Police Station, where he spent the night.
He was later released the following morning on a cash bail of Ksh50,000, pending the completion of investigations.
The EACC reiterated its commitment to tackling bribery at service delivery points, emphasising that corruption undermines public service quality and erodes trust in institutions.
“The Commission reiterates its commitment to tackling bribery at service delivery points and enhancing the quality of public services for all citizens,” the agency stated.
The case comes amid ongoing efforts by the government and the EACC to strengthen accountability in public utilities and reinforce the Eradicate Corruption, Build Kenya campaign (#TuangamizeUfisadi).
Yesterday, the commissioner recovered 0.074 acres of land in Nyeri valued at KSh 12 million, which had been illegally grabbed from the National Police Service.