By Andrew Kariuki
A Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) employee has been arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over allegations of soliciting a bribe from a customer in exchange for restoring electricity supply at a Nairobi estate.
The suspect, Bernard Githinji Maina, a meter reader attached to the Runda sector, is accused of demanding Ksh 300,000 from a customer at Runda Mumwe Estate to facilitate the reconnection of power.
According to investigators, the suspect allegedly made the demand on January 24, 2026, warning the complainant that failure to comply would result in an inflated electricity bill of Ksh 2,000,000.
It is further alleged that Maina had earlier disconnected electricity to the premises on October 25, 2025, citing an alleged illegal connection, despite the complainant reportedly having no outstanding electricity bill arrears.
The matter was reported to the EACC on February 27, 2026, prompting preliminary investigations.
Following the complaint, the Commission mounted an operation that led to Maina’s arrest as he allegedly received Ksh 180,000 from the complainant at Runda Mumwe Estate.
He was subsequently escorted to the Integrity Centre for processing before being taken to Kilimani Police Station, where he spent the night.
The suspect was later released on a cash bail of Ksh 50,000 as investigations into the matter continue.
