- Kahiga emphasized that Chirchir promptly made numerous calls to top Kenya Power officials to address the situation.
- Energy CS Chirchir last week found himself compelled to elucidate the occurrence of the third nationwide power outage in less than six months.
Image: Alice Waithera
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has refuted claims of urging President William Ruto to dismiss Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir in connection to the recent power blackout.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the governor clarified that he was present with the CS at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) when the power outage occurred.
Kahiga emphasized that Chirchir promptly made numerous calls to top Kenya Power officials to address the situation.
"I wish to clarify that I never demanded the dismissal of CS Davis Chichir for the recent power failure in my Jamhuri Day speech. All I said is that I was with Waziri at the JKIA when the blackout happened. I said he frantically made calls to have power restored," the statement read in part.
I wish to clarify that I never demanded for the sacking of CS Davis Chichir for the recent power failure in my Jamhuri Day speech. All I said is that I was with Waziri at the JKIA when the blackout happened. I said he frantically made calls to have power restored. pic.twitter.com/X8Q0nfMGYE
— Mutahi Kahiga (@GovernorKahiga) December 13, 2023
However, in a video seen by the Star, Governor Mutahi during Jamhuri celebrations at Dedan Kimathi Stadium on Tuesday said that the Head of State should send home cabinet secretaries who he observed were failing his government.
"Juzi imetoka ng'ambo, stima zimepotea. Waziri kama huyo afutwe asubuhi," he said.
This loosely translates to: The other day I arrived in the county from abroad and was welcomed by a power outage. Such a CS should be sacked early in the morning.
Energy CS Chirchir last week found himself compelled to elucidate the occurrence of the third nationwide power outage in less than six months.
This outage was preceded by escalated fuel prices, standing at Sh217.36, Sh203.47, and Sh203.06 for petrol, diesel, and kerosene, respectively.
The sustained high fuel prices, exceeding the Sh200 threshold, have caused discomfort for Kenyans both at the pumps and in grocery stores, leading to an overall increase in the cost of various products.
Despite the above, Chirchir was among the state officials honoured with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (E.G.H.) by President Ruto for his exemplary performance.
His recognition comes amid an uproar by Kenyans over continuous power outages in the country.