Union of the Blind writes to Kenya Power over staff harassment and extortion

Kenya Union of the Blind (KUB) has accused Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) field officers of harassment and extortion, following repeated instances of electricity disconnections at their premises in Embakasi.
In a letter to the power company, the union stated that the frequent power outage affects their service delivery to the marginalized group. “We write to inform you that the behaviour of your field staff has stalled the life changing services we offer blind and partially sighted persons in the country, “Jackson Agufana, CEO of the union said.
He noted that over the recent months, there has been a tendency of KPLC field staff disconnecting electricity to their premises in Embakasi for hidden reasons.
He said every time a disconnection happens, there is a suggestion that the matter be sorted outside the office but we have always rejected such suggestions because they reek of extortion attempts.
Visually impaired
“As we write this letter, your field staff has disconnected the power once again for reasons unknown to us,” Agufana added. Kenya Union of the Blind is the national association of blind and partially sighted persons in Kenya. Their services to the community of visually impaired persons include, rehabilitation of newly blind persons, Braille Literacy as well as computer and digital literacy for our members.
According to the union, over 150,000 blind and partially sighted persons who are members of the union depend on these services that support their independence. “Please consider this as a notice to your office of intention to seek legal redress through the courts for this ongoing harassment and attempted extortion by your field staff.
The union expressed willingness to be engaged respectfully and without malice if there are issues with its power bills.
The union further urged the government and other stakeholders to protect vulnerable communities from exploitation and harassment by service providers.
In September, seven former top managers at Kenya Power were found to have a case to answer over fraud-related charges allegedly leading to the loss of Sh159 million. In a brief ruling, Milimani Magistrate Victor Wakumile said the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) had ‘made out a prima facie case against the seven’.
The charge facing the remaining seven is on conspiracy to commit an offence of Economic Crime Contrary to section 47A (3) as read with section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
It is alleged that they carelessly failed to comply with the procedures and guidelines relating to procurement which led to the alleged fraudulent payment of Sh159 million to companies that were unprocedural pre-qualified for labour and transport services vide tender No KPI/9AA-2/58/PJT/16-17.