EACC arrests Kenya Power official over alleged bribery

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a Kenya Power and Lighting Company employee in connection with an alleged bribery case in Nairobi’s Runda area.

The official is suspected of demanding Sh300,000 from a resident of Runda to facilitate the restoration of electricity.

"It is further alleged that the suspect threatened to have the customer billed Sh2,000,000 should he decline to pay the requested bribe," the Commission said in a statement issued on Friday.

The EACC indicated that the demand was allegedly made on January 24, 2026, and that the resident had no outstanding electricity bill arrears at the time.

Investigations showed that power had been disconnected from the estate on October 25, 2025, due to an alleged illegal connection, although the complainant had no arrears.

Following a complaint lodged on February 27, 2026, the EACC launched an operation targeting the suspected bribery scheme.

During the sting, officers arrested the employee while allegedly receiving Sh180,000 from the resident.

The suspect was taken to the Integrity Centre for processing and later to Kilimani Police Station, where he spent the night.

He was subsequently released on a cash bail of Sh50,000 pending the completion of investigations.

The Commission emphasised that investigations are ongoing and that appropriate action will be taken upon conclusion of the probe.

"The Commission reiterates its commitment to tackling bribery at service delivery points and enhancing the quality of public services for all citizens," the statement concluded.

The EACC urged the public to report incidents of bribery, intimidation, or abuse of office, assuring complainants of confidentiality and swift intervention.

The arrest follows a separate EACC operation in Gatundu North Constituency, where four NG-CDF Committee members were arrested over allegations of extorting Sh300,000 from a contractor to approve a pending payment of Sh9.1 million.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the contractor had completed three projects at Karure Primary School, including constructing a modern kitchen, levelling and landscaping works, and renovating an administration block and six classrooms.

Payment for the works, completed on January 31, 2026, was allegedly blocked by the committee members over unspecified issues.

On February 23, 2026, three of the suspects reportedly demanded Sh300,000 from the contractor to clear objections to the payment. An EACC operation on February 25 led to their arrest at the school while allegedly receiving Sh250,000.

The four committee members were processed at the Integrity Centre and later booked at Kilimani Police Station. They were released on Sh40,000 cash bail each pending the completion of investigations.