Kenya Power employee arrested for demanding Ksh.300K bribe
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a Kenya Power and Lighting Company employee over allegations of extorting money from a customer in exchange for restoring electricity.
In a statement by the commission, the suspect, Bernard Githinji Maina, a meter reader assigned to the Runda area, is accused of demanding Ksh.300,000 from a resident of Runda Mumwe Estate to facilitate the reconnection of power.
According to investigators, the suspect allegedly issued the demand on January 24, 2026, and threatened the complainant with a Ksh.2 million electricity bill if the bribe was not paid.
The commission’s probe further established that the suspect had disconnected electricity to the property on October 25, 2025, citing an alleged illegal connection, despite there being no outstanding bill on the account.
Following a report filed on February 27, 2026, EACC officers launched an operation that led to Maina’s arrest while allegedly receiving Ksh.180,000 from the complainant at Runda Mumwe Estate.
He was taken to the Integrity Centre for processing before being booked at Kilimani Police Station, where he spent the night.
The suspect was later released on a cash bail of Ksh.50,000 as investigations continue.
“The Commission reiterates its commitment to tackling bribery at service delivery points and enhancing the quality of public services for all citizens,” the statement read in part.
