There was drama in Pate Island after Lamu Women Representative Ruweida Mohamed spent the night at a power station following a three weeks power blackout in the island.
The women rep and over 100 residents stormed Faza diesel power station in protest demanding power restoration in Pate Island which has been in darkness since the 9th of June.
Ruweida accompanied by area residents stormed the station at around 2pm on Monday. Efforts by police to block them from accessing the station was futile.
Ruweida was angered by the negligence of the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) and Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) for failing to restore power which has affected over 20,000 people despite reassurance that the power would be restored by Saturday 27th June.
It emerged that all three generators being used to supply electricity to Pate Islands were yet to be repaired.
”We need electricity to be restored today why has it taken so long to restore power, this is politics being played and as a government officer you cannot politicize this issue affecting people,” she said.
Mohamed had petitioned the matter in parliament seeking answers as to when the power would be restored; compensation for the losses incurred by residents and wanted a permanent solution to the problem.
KPLC Managing Director together with REA boss were summoned in parliament and promised to repair the damaged generator by June 27 but to date are yet to receive the power.
Earlier during the confrontation the REA boss said it would be impossible for power to be restored immediately prompting the MP to camp at the station with her supporters.
”Tomorrow we will demonstrate protesting against the laxity of these officials and compel the government to ensure power is restored quickly,” said one of the residents who camped at the station.
