This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
Kikuyu Factor in Energy Sector ¶
Kenya's energy sector has been marred by a pattern of appointments that has raised eyebrows. Several key positions in the sector have been held by Kikuyus, sparking allegations of corruption and favoritism.
At Kenya Power, Bernard Ngugi, a Kikuyu, was appointed as the CEO despite being involved in multi-million scandals. Ngugi was the procurement manager at the time of his appointment and was deeply involved in the controversial purchase of transformers supplied by the family of tycoon James Mwangi.
Ngugi's appointment was seen as a way to have a Kikuyu in a lucrative position, with the system being to have those in charge linked in mega scandals in their respective parastatals, take them to court, and then have a Kikuyu land the plum slot.
Ngugi's appointment was facilitated by Energy PS Joseph Njoroge, who is said to enjoy his protection. During the arrest period that hounded Ken Tarus, a Kalenjin, out of office, deals were brokered to have Ngugi named the CEO.
Ngugi has been holding meetings with Chinese deeply involved in energy sector supplies to cut deals. He is also said to be out to install his allies in key management positions, many of whom happen to hold in acting capacity.
At Kenya Pipeline Company, MD Joe Sang was removed and arrested, and Hudson Andambi, a Luhya, was appointed as the acting MD. However, it is said that Irungu Macharia did not have clearance certificates from the Ethics Anti-Corruption Commission and was knocked out of the running for the position.
At Geothermal Development Company, the CEO Johnson Ole Nchoe is a marked man as the board is out to have him replaced by a Kikuyu. Ole Nchoe's bid to bag three more years at the company ran into the headwinds after the GDC board returned a No verdict in response to his letter proposing to stay on for another three years.
