Kenya power boss 'stole millions'

Samuel Gichuru is accused of orchestrating a power shortage

The head of Kenya's state-owned power company plundered the institution for nearly two decades, according to an official Government investigation.

Samuel Gichuru, the managing director of Kenya Power and Lighting Company for 19 years, is said to have stolen millions of Kenyan shillings.

He also created an artificial power shortage, said the report.

The investigating committee has called for Mr Gichuru to have his property seized and face prosecution.

'Total Abuse'

George Nyanja, who led the investigative committee, said: "(We found) mismanagement, total abuse of office, because even ethics, morality requires that you don't do certain things."

Gichuru refused to comply with a request to appear before the committee, and was sent on compulsory leave in February by Energy Minister Ochillo Ayacko.

Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), which was founded 81 years ago under the British colonial administration, has just had three consecutive years of record losses.

Kenyan manufacturers have complained that the country's power costs are among the highest in Africa.

'Zero tolerance'

President Mwai Kibaki, who was elected in December last year, has promised zero tolerance towards corruption.

The Kenyan Government owns 51% of KPLC.