By Tim Sande | May 19, 2025
GITHOGORO, NAIROBI — After months of darkness, frustration, and repeated protests, the residents of Githogoro are finally seeing a flicker of hope following a high-level public meeting held today at Good Hope Centre. The meeting, convened by Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Moses Gicharu, brought together security chiefs, Kenya Power officials, local administrators, community leaders, and landlords to chart a clear way forward in resolving the perennial power crisis that has gripped the area for over four months.
The crisis escalated last week on Tuesday, May 13, when hundreds of angry residents blocked the Northern Bypass in Runda to protest the prolonged power outage, accusing Kenya Power of negligence, poor communication, and ignoring their plight. The matter was swiftly escalated to the highest office by Westlands MP Hon. Tim Wanyonyi, setting the stage for today’s decisive gathering.
A United Front for Lasting Solutions
The meeting brought together key figures including Hezekiah Obongida, Chief Highridge Location; Barnabas Wawire, Assistant Chief Karura Sub-location; Ubah Hussein, Assistant County Commissioner Highridge Division; Westlands Sub-county Police Commander Ndambiri Robert; OCS Runda Police Station Rose Ndolo; and representatives from the Administration Police.
Addressing the gathering, DCC Gicharu acknowledged the depth of the problem and pledged government support in restoring electricity and dismantling illegal power cartels that have been extorting residents.
“You have been having a lot of problems due to lack of electricity. Most of your operations have been affected. With proper cooperation, we can restore power in a few days. But we must also stop all businesses by illegal cartels starting today,” Gicharu warned.
Kenya Power Commits to Action
Kenya Power was represented by Nairobi Regional Chief Security Officer Maj (Rtd) David Yagau, Business Development Head Eng. Alex Muhindi, and Marketing Officer Wanjiru Githo. Eng. Muhindi, who personally spearheaded the initial Githogoro electrification under the Global Partnership on Output-Based Aid (GPOBA) about five years ago, pledged swift action — promising that with residents’ cooperation, power could be restored within 3-4 days.
“We will start tomorrow. The plan is to remove all illegal connections, restore the transformers, and work with landlords to install legal meters,” Muhindi stated.
Key Resolutions Agreed
In a show of unity and commitment, the community, through landlords’ associations and religious leaders, agreed on a 12-point resolution reached earlier at the Catholic Church. Highlights include:
- Removal of all illegal connections
- Provision of security for Kenya Power staff
- Protection of KPLC infrastructure
- Eradication of power cartels
- Installation of additional transformers to match growing demand
- Deployment of CCTV cameras on all transformers
- Facilitation for residents to acquire subsidized, affordable meters
- Regularization of tampered transformers and meters
- Establishment of a hotline for reporting irregularities
- Mutual cooperation with Kenya Power officials
Rev. Wainaina of the Muringa Landlords Association emphasized that the resolutions were reached after difficult conversations and mutual forgiveness.
“We have suffered huge losses in businesses, security, and livelihoods. We must now work together to restore power legally and safely,” said Rev. Wainaina.
Residents also had their say. Thomas Akello from Phase 4 (Matopeni) appealed for fair consideration during meter purchases and equitable electricity restoration.
Judy Kerich, famously known as “Mama Chuchu,” decried the insecurity brought by prolonged darkness, stating:
“We cannot trade, move, or even mill our maize flour anymore. We need street lights and affordable power to live decently.”
Ben Mwonyonyo, Westlands Constituency Office Manager, conveyed Hon. Tim Wanyonyi’s greetings and unwavering commitment to resolving the crisis, highlighting that other informal settlements like Kibagare are also facing similar challenges.
Way Forward
Eng. Muhindi assured that Kenya Power would collaborate with landlords, starting with the reconnection of previously removed transformers, followed by a cleanup of illegal lines. Applications for new meters will require identity documents, KRA PINs, and proof of land ownership, with flexible payment plans for residents.
“We’re here to ensure safe, legal, and reliable electricity. If we all cooperate, Githogoro will have stable power in a matter of days,” said Kenya Power’s Maj. (Rtd) Yagau.
Karura MCA Kamau Thuo thanked the DCC and all stakeholders for their proactive approach and urged residents to cooperate fully with Kenya Power and security agencies to ensure a smooth restoration process.
As dusk settled over Githogoro this evening, residents expressed cautious optimism that their long night might finally be ending — and that soon, light and life would return to the settlement.
END