A rather embarrassing moment occurred at the National Executive Retreat in Naivasha where President William Ruto was addressing his cabinet secretaries after two power blackouts interrupted his speech in less than three minutes.
As the President was advising his team on service delivery, encouraging them to consult with him and with each other to succeed in their respective ministries, the power suddenly went out.
An awkward moment then ensued as the President suddenly stopped talking, looking around and casually tapping on the microphones as if to confirm if they were still functioning.
“Are we there? OK…” he says.
Seconds later, the President resumes his off-the-cuff speech in the dark as, somehow, the microphones seem to be working.
Not too long after saying a couple of sentences, the lights come back on as the President continues addressing his team.
As the President thanks a ‘David’ who he credits with the success State departments have seen in service delivery, the lights suddenly go off yet again.
Seconds later, they flicker back on.
Unfazed, he presses on, assuring his ministers that he and his team were actively involved in their successes.
“We are working together to ensure that nobody is left behind…No state department is left behind, and no ministry is left behind,” he concludes.
Kenyans on X reacted wildly to the incident, with many left bewildered that a power blackout could occur at a time when the entire cabinet was gathering at the same spot – and with their boss present.
Reacting on X, sports journalist Saddique Shaban said, “The shame awaiting this country when hosting 2027 Africa Cup of NATIONS…Imagine power blackout during the opening match between Kenya and Cote d’Ivoire or a final match between Morocco and Senegal. SMH!”
Another user said, “This is poetic justice. I love that Kenya Power is an equal opportunity disappointer. But still, you couldn’t even get it right even as your boss is on stage lecturing you? Kenyans, we have no country here!”
Wednesday evening, Kenya Power issued a notice informing Kenyans of power interruptions in select parts of the country on Thursday, February 22, 2024.
The utility firm noted that Thursday’s power interruptions will affect Nairobi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyeri, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta Counties.
Kenya Power said parts of Nairobi County will be in blackout for eight long hours, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The Nairobi blackouts will affect key areas including; United Nations, US Embassy, Iraq Embassy, International Organisation for Migration, KCB Gigiri , Karura Forest, Embassy of Turkey and Embassy of Tunisia.
