Residents of Lenana estate in Narok North Sub County are counting losses following a power surge on Sunday destroyed property worth millions of shillings.
The residents lamented that the power surge that happened during the day destroyed electronic equipment, including televisions, radios, fridges, in about 20 houses in the estate.
According to Mzee Joel Karkar, the incident happened when his children and house help were in the house when there was a sudden black out and the electronics that had been connected to electricity were destroyed.
He blamed the Kenya Power for their negligence in fixing the power surge that has been witnessed three times since last year.
“We were shocked because the officials from Kenya Power showed up three hours later whereas the station is only located 300 meters away from the estate,” said Mzee Karkar.
Gideon Ole Sankan who is also alleged to have lost valuable items blamed the power company for neglecting their complaints twice when similar incidents were witnessed early this year and last year.
“This is not the first time we are facing such an ugly incident, but our efforts to reach the authority concerned has not borne any fruits as nothing much is done,” said Ole Sankan.
The area Sub-County Police Commander (SCPC), Frederick Siundu confirmed the incident, saying they had reported the matter to the Kenya Power who acknowledged the power surge.
“The company has confirmed that one of its transformers in the area was faulty hence causing extensive damage. We have however,
advised those affected to write a brief report so as to be compensated by the company,” said Siundu.
The SCPC asked residents to be vigilant and ensure they put off the electricity when not in use to avoid recurrence of such an incident.
“Over ten people have already recorded statements with the police claiming their property had been destroyed due to electric faults,” said Siundu.
By Ann Salaton
