The Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has provided an explanation for the power outage that occurred in several areas of Western Kenya including the Presidential debate on Tuesday.
The Kisumu-Muhoroni high voltage transmission line encountered a system disturbance that caused many power circuits to trip, according to a statement from KPLC.
There was power outage in several areas of Western, South Nyanza, North Rift, Central Rift, and Nairobi North as a result of the disturbance’s impact on power generation at Muhoroni Gas Turbine Station and Turkwell Hydropwer Station.
“Our system engineers immediately commenced restoration works and normalised power to all areas by 9:07pm. The company regrets any inconvenience caused” Said Kenya Power.
Kenyans who were closely watching the Presidential Debate were incensed by the decision to vent their annoyance on social media.
A twitter user with the handle @scherargei said; “President Uhuru kenyatta switches off the power across the country causing National blackout.
“MEANWHILE the 5th President of Kenya is Dr William Samoei Arap Ruto.”
Another kenyan with the handle @Onorpik tweeted; “KPLC power black out areas, confirm if you have no electricity in your area to watch William Ruto presidential debate.
-KITALE Confirmed blackout”
Meanwhile, Prior to the debate, Roots Party Presidential candidate Professor George Wajackoyah had pulled out of the 2022 Presidential Debate.
In a press statement on Tuesday, Roots Party says its candidate will be a no-show in the debate that took place at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
Recall that on Sunday, the country’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had announced that he was not going to be a participant at the debate, accusing his principal rival Deputy President Ruto of trying to avoid certain topics such as corruption.
