"Resign Now": Kenyans Mount Pressure On CS Davis Chirchir To Step Down Over Perennial Power Outages

• Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir is under fire from Kenyans over frequent power outage in the country
• Kenyans want the Energy CS to take responsibility for the blackouts that have affected many businesses
• Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has not been spared after Jomo Kenyatta International Airport was left in darkness

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

On Sunday, December 10, Kenyans were left in darkness following a system fault at Kenya Power and Lighting Company that plunged the entire country into darkness.

Why do Kenyans want CS Chirchir sacked?

The outage marked the third major blackout in three months, disrupting critical services, including those at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The first outage was on August 25, while the second was on November 11, when it took 12 hours for KPLC to restore power in most parts of the country.

Kenyans have taken to social media to air their grievances over the frequent power blackouts.

A majority of Kenyans have demanded the sacking of Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, who is the man in charge of the vital docket.

A section of Kenyans suggested the frequent disruptions showed Chirchir was not competent enough to lead the docket.

Others asked Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to resign over the power outage at JKIA.

TUKO.co.ke looks at some of the comments by Kenyans:

Ohta Ryota:

"If Murkomen is saying JKIA is being sabotaged, that is reason enough to believe they are incompetent, out of control and they should resign or be impeached."

Makau F. Muli

"This was the third national-wide power blackout in one year since President Ruto took power. We can't blame Uhuru Kenyatta, CS Chirchir and KPLC boss should resign. Again posturing at JKIA by CS Murkomen was just PR! Sad"

Bianca:

"I thought CS Murkomen procured new generators at JKIA? Why has our international airport plunged into darkness? CS for Energy, Davis Chirchir, and CS for Transport, Kipchumba Murkomen, must either resign or be fired! National shame."

joecool:

"Kenyans, now you understand why Uhuru Kenyatta sacked Davis Chirchir from his Cabinet in his first term. Chirchir is irredeemably incompetent."

Why Murkomen wants police to probe power outage

Meanwhile, CS Murkomen asked the National Police Service to investigate the frequent power disruptions in the country.

According to Murkomen, the frequent power blackouts could be an act of sabotage and coverup by government employees.

"Considering the frequency of the power disruption and taking into account the fact that JKIA is a facility of strategic national importance, we are making a formal request to the National Police Service to investigate possible acts of sabotage and coverup," Murkomen said.

The CS added that the cleanup of the mess at JKIA continues even as police try to establish the truth behind frequent power outrages in the country.