This archive report was first published on 25 June 2020.
On Wednesday evening, Kenya Power disconnected electricity supply to the Kasarani Police line in Nakuru, leaving hundreds of police officers and their families in the dark.
The police station, which has 54 blocks with 6 housing units each, has been without power since the disconnection. The estate also houses an armoury, raising concerns about the safety of the arms.
According to an officer who spoke to The Standard on condition of anonymity, the power was disconnected due to accumulated bills that have not been cleared since February last year. The ministry of interior had directed officers to rent houses outside police lines as part of police reforms.
Kenya Power had directed each police household to install tokens for electricity supply after clearing the bill, with each housing unit expected to pay Sh4,350 to connect tokens. However, the police line has only connected Sh335,000 out of the required Sh630,000.
Officers are now using mobile phone lights to man the armoury and record statements, with one officer expressing fears of gun theft due to the high rate of crime in the area.
Nakuru Town East Sub County Police commander Elena Kabukuru has said each officer is expected to clear their electricity bill, but has also expressed regret over the abrupt disconnection.
Kenya Power Central Rift manager Geoffrey Muli has said the officers were connected to a commercial line, but was not aware of the disconnection and will follow up with billing and town power manager to determine the reason for the disconnection.
