Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has explained Tuesday night’s blackout that left many Kenyans who were looking forward to following the proceedings of the presidential debate frustrated.
The utility firm, in a statement, said it experienced a ‘system disturbance’ at the Kisumu-Muhuroni high voltage transmission power line at 8:12 pm that tripped several power circuits.
The glitch affected power generation from Muhoroni Gas Turbine Station and Turkwell Hydropower Station.
“The shortfall caused power outages in parts of Western, South Nyanza, North Rift, Central Rift and Nairobi North,” Kenya Power said.
Kenya Power engineers were able to restore power in the affected areas after an hour.
“Our system engineers immediately commenced restoration works and normalised power to all areas by 9:07pm. The Company regrets any inconvenience caused,” the firm added.
Kenyans protest power outage
The power went off moments after the second tier of the debate featuring Kenya Kwanza presidential flag bearer William Ruto kicked off.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party presidential candidate attended the debate solo after Raila Odinga of the Azimio One Kenya coalition pulled out of the discussions at the last minute.
Some of the affected Kenyans and politicians took to social media to vent their frustrations with some accusing the state of deliberately denying them an opportunity to watch the debate.
“This is a deliberate act of sabotage to deny Kenyans an opportunity to follow the presidential debate that is ongoing. Freedom is coming!!” Ford Kenya leader and Kenya Kwanza co-principal Moses Wetangula said in a tweet.
Many Kenyans from across the country are complaining of a power blackout. This is a deliberate act of sabotage to deny Kenyans an opportunity to follow the presidential debate that is ongoing. Freedom is coming!!
— Sen.Moses Wetang’ula (@Wetangulam) July 26, 2022
KPLC : The power black out will occur 5 minutes to William Ruto presidential debate pic.twitter.com/mpavguV6Cz
— Omwamba 🇰🇪 (@omwambaKE) July 26, 2022
Haha!
— Bianca™ (@BiancaWamu) July 26, 2022
Someone in Kenya Power is hellbent to ensure Kenyans don’t watch William Ruto.
Kplc just switched off the power so that we don’t watch our next president on tv.
— Blessed kelvin (@kelvin_kiprono) July 26, 2022
