CoG defends Sakaja, blasts KPLC over impunity

The Council of Governors has defended Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja amid attacks from the National Government over his response to the feud between Nairobi County and Kenya Power.

They criticized the National Government for quickly blaming Sakaja, pointing out that while one finger is directed at him, the other four point back at them.

Speaking in Wajir, Council of Governors Chairman and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi cited the lack of oversight on the country’s sole power generating company.

He highlighted the dangers posed to Counties when the company arbitrarily cuts off power without prior consultation.

The Chair of the Council of Governors stated that KPLC continues to operate like a ‘demigod,’ untamed and acting with impunity, doing as it pleases without regard for the consequences.

“It is crucial to highlight a long-standing issue. For over a decade, KPLC has wielded unchecked power over Counties and other entities, often resorting to abrupt power disconnections without due process or consideration/regard of the broader impact,” he said.

“KPLC has wielded unchecked power over Counties and other entities, often resorting to abrupt power disconnections without due process or consideration/regard of the broader impact”, he added.

Governor Ahmed Abdullahi argued that Nairobi County remains a victim of KPLC’s actions when the National Government and its departments hit out at Sakaja, forgetting that many of the issues raised fall under the National Government’s responsibility.

In his statement, the CoG Chair highlighted several instances, dating back to the early years of devolution, where KPLC has been unreliable in its service to county governments. He accused the National Government of being overly harsh on counties, using the Nairobi County incident as an example.

“KPLC has a well-documented history of disconnecting power to critical County institutions, including hospitals, water installations and sewerage services, severely disrupting operations and endangering lives”, he said.

The Governors also noted that KPLC’s actions have negatively impacted private consumers at various points.

Abdullahi stated that the Nairobi County outburst is just a fraction of the distress that countless Kenyans and institutions endure, pointing out that KPLC also owes counties billions of shillings in unpaid rates and wayleave charges, including water bills.

Additionally, he claimed that despite owing Counties billions in land rates and other dues, KPLC disregards legal advisories and planning regulations.

“We condemn these perennial disruptions and calls for a structured approach to dispute resolution between KPLC and its consumers, ensuring that essential services are never jeopardized in the future. It is time for KPLC to reflect on its actions, acknowledge the suffering caused by its practices, and work towards a fair, transparent, and predictable billing and disconnection process,” he said.

The CoG is now calling for structured dispute resolution mechanisms to prevent arbitrary power disconnections that compromise public services.