Kenya Power Employee Arrested for Bribery in Vihiga Electricity Dispute
NAIROBI — A Kenya Power employee has been arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over allegations of soliciting bribes in connection with an electricity maintenance issue in Vihiga County. The suspect, Kennedy Wambani Oduor, was stationed at the Mbale-Vihiga office and is accused of demanding and accepting a Sh20,000 bribe.
The case stems from a dispute involving a damaged electricity pole near the premises of God’s Vision for Africa, a local organization based in Vihiga County. The pole, identified in October 2022 as a potential safety hazard, posed risks of electrocution and fire. Despite multiple reports to Kenya Power, the utility company failed to address the issue, prompting the organization to replace the pole privately to ensure safety.
According to EACC investigators, Oduor became aware of the private replacement and allegedly demanded KSh50,000 from the organization, threatening to disconnect their electricity supply if the payment was not made. The matter was escalated to the EACC, which launched an investigation and eventually arrested Oduor while he was allegedly receiving a partial payment of Sh20,000.
The EACC confirmed that the case file had been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who approved charges against Oduor under the Anti-Bribery Act of 2016. Oduor was arraigned at the Kisumu Anti-Corruption Court on May 7, 2026, and released on a cash bail of KSh200,000, with a similar surety requirement.
The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by the EACC to combat corruption within Kenya’s public service delivery institutions. In a statement, the commission warned public officers against engaging in bribery or abuse of office, emphasizing its commitment to holding individuals accountable for such misconduct.
Public frustration with Kenya Power has been mounting in recent years, with many Kenyans criticizing the utility company for inefficiencies and alleged corruption. Incidents like this further erode public trust in the institution, which is responsible for ensuring reliable electricity supply across the country.
God’s Vision for Africa, the organization at the center of the dispute, expressed relief that the matter was being addressed but also voiced concerns about the broader challenges of dealing with Kenya Power. “We took necessary steps to protect our staff and property, but it’s disappointing that we had to face such threats from someone who is supposed to serve the public,” said a representative of the organization.
The EACC’s action in this case is part of a wider crackdown on corruption in Kenya, where graft remains a significant challenge despite numerous anti-corruption initiatives. The commission has intensified its operations in recent years, targeting individuals and institutions implicated in corrupt practices.
As the case proceeds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in reporting corrupt activities and the need for systemic reforms to address the root causes of corruption in public service delivery.
— Reported by Nexio News
