By Love Wambua

It took the weight of a fallen electricity pole — and a heavier load of public shame — for the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to finally notice Esther Kamesi Mwinzi, an 80-year-old woman from Katunyoni village, Kithungo/Kitundu Ward, Mbooni West, Makueni County.

Even then, no action had been taken by the time we went to press today..

Her modest home was wrecked when a KPLC pole collapsed and crashed onto it. For weeks, nothing happened — except silence. That is, until journalists brought her story to light.

Suddenly, KPLC sprang to life.

On June 6, 2025, officials descended on Esther’s compound to inspect what had been obvious to her and her neighbors for days: the pole had fallen, the house was ruined, and someone should be held responsible.

KPLC’s Makueni County Business Manager, Stephen Mwenesi, now promises that a formal report is underway. He says Esther will be compensated — legally, of course.

“We’re investigating the cause and will pursue legal redress,” he assured.
But here’s the plot twist: Mwenesi claimed in a phone call with The Anchor that he wasn’t aware of the incident — even though KPLC officers had already visited the scene and re-erected the pole. Apparently, the left hand of KPLC doesn’t know what the right hand is repairing.
One wonders how many disaster sites are quietly “cleaned up” before the suits in charge get the memo — or the media embarrasses them into action.
Esther’s Long Wait for Justice
Esther is not easily moved by promises. Not anymore. She’s seen the song-and-dance before.

> “They keep coming and going,” she said flatly. “They look around, shake their heads, and vanish. I don’t think anyone is serious — unless something drastic happens.”

That “something drastic” might just be public outrage. Or shame. Or maybe even leadership — if anyone in Makueni’s government can spare a thought for a constituent who has quite literally been crushed under the weight of negligence.
Because let’s be clear: no MCA, no MP, no county officer has shown up. Not from Mbooni. Not from the Governor’s office. Not even a tweet.
Hope — or PR Stunt?
While KPLC’s fresh interest in Esther’s case is welcome, it’s worth asking: Is this a sincere step toward accountability, or just a corporate reflex to bad press?
For now, the cameras are watching. The community is watching. And so are we.
If there is any light at the end of the tunnel for Esther, it should come from more than a repaired pole. It should come with dignity, compensation, and — for once — action that doesn’t need media sirens to trigger it.
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