The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Friday arrested a Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) employee over allegations of extorting KSh 300,000 from a customer in exchange for reconnecting electricity at Runda Mumwe Estate in Nairobi.
The suspect, Bernard Githinji Maina, a meter reader attached to the Runda sector, allegedly demanded the KSh 300,000 from the complainant on January 24, 2026, to facilitate reconnection of power. It is further alleged that he threatened to have the customer billed KSh 2,000,000 should he decline to pay the requested bribe.
According to investigators, the suspect had disconnected electricity supply to the estate on October 25, 2025, citing an alleged illegal connection. However, preliminary findings indicate that the complainant had no outstanding electricity bill arrears at the time of disconnection.
Upon receiving the complaint on February 27, 2026, the EACC launched preliminary investigations and mounted a sting operation that led to Maina’s arrest as he allegedly received KSh 180,000 from the complainant at Runda Mumwe Estate.
He was escorted to Integrity Centre for processing and later taken to Kilimani Police Station, where he spent the night. On Saturday morning, he was released on cash bail of KSh 50,000 pending completion of investigations.
The Commission has reiterated its commitment to tackling bribery at service delivery points, especially in essential public utilities, and pledged to continue enhancing accountability and improving the quality of public services for all citizens.
