Kipchumba Murkomen: I've Been Advised To Carry My Mattress And Sleep Next To JKIA Generator

• Kipchumba Murkomen has been on the spot over the failures of the generators at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to bolster power supply in the event of blackouts
• The Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary said he had received suggestions to handle the matter, including sleeping in the country's critical airport
• While alleviating blame from his side, Murkomen said the challenge at the JKIA was systemic and could be attributed to a supposed abandonment dating back to years before he took over

Nairobi - Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen says he had received lots of suggestions to deal with the blackouts at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the failure of the generators therein to bolster power supply.

Of the suggestions, which the CS found amusing, was that he moves to the airport and spend nights there until the matter is solved comprehensively and conclusively.

The CS called out Kenyans over ignorance of how the JKIA generators work.

While alleviating blame from his side, Murkomen said the challenge at the airport was systemic and could be attributed to a supposed abandonment dating back to years before he took over.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had defended Murkomen against the continued failure of backup generators at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Why did Gachagua stand by Murkomen?

Speaking during the Kimalel goat auction and cultural festival in Baringo county, on Thursday, December 14, Gachagua said the CS played no role in the purchase of the "fage generators" and, as such, could not be held accountable for the power outages.

"I have seen some people confronting Murkomen to resign because the JKIA generator has failed. Was he the one who bought them? It was bought by the previous regime, and it was fake. That is why, when you power it on, it powers off," he asserted.

Praising the CS for his tremendous efforts, Gachagua advised him to fetch a good machine that would quickly restore power supply in case of blackouts.

In addition, he slammed Kenyans for confronting state officials without conducting a background check on what transpired, leading to the unfortunate situation.

"Do not blame leaders for no reason. We found a lot messed up, and we are currently working on cleaning up the messes. Right now, they want us to carry the burden, yet it was them who went and bought an expensive fake generator that cannot hold a substantial amount of load," said Gachagua.

He continued:

"Kipchumba is forced to do a lot of transformation. This gentleman has worked. I would advise him to buy another good generator and build a new and modern airport that would give us respect worldwide."