Kenya Power (KPLC) on Thursday, March 2, sought the assistance of the public to unravel a mystery construction project while responding to concerns about electric power lines passing through the building.
In a viral photo that has since been seen and shared by thousands of people online, the building appeared to have trespassed on KPLC land.
Renowned Activist Boniface Mwangi blamed stakeholders for relapsing and allowing the contractors to circumvent laws.
"I have no words," Mwangi captioned the photo, eliciting mixed reactions far and wide.
Hours later, Kenya Power took the matter up and duly responded to Mwangi, asking him to assist them in establishing the location of the building.
"Please confirm if it's a real scenario. If yes, confirm the exact location for further assistance," Kenya Power posted.
Image Reverse Search
We used Google's open-source authentication technology known as Image Reverse Search to establish some facts about the photo.
When subjected to Image Reverse Search, it was clear that the viral photo was first published online on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.
Eleven social media accounts shared the viral photo between Tuesday, February 28, 2023, and Friday, March 3, 2023.
One Angie M shared the photo and asked relevant authorities to move with speed and stop the ongoing construction.
On Tiktok, an account known as Simply Ma Nesta shared the viral photo and wondered why the developer was so careless about people's lives.
All the photos shared were similar. However, it was yet to be established whether the building is located in Kenya.
In a ruling that was delivered by Justice Christine Ochieng in August 2020, it was expressly explained that Section 171 and 173 of the Energy Act requires KPLC to seek permission from a land owner before entering and laying cables or electric poles, petroleum or gas pipelines, or drilling exploratory wells.
The Law grants Kenya Power officials 15 days to give notice to a landowner, during which, KPLC may use any other means including advertisement in at least two national newspapers or a radio station in order to reach out to property developers.
In the process, Kenya Power is required to act with due care and diligence when erecting or removing power lines running through the middle of a private parcel of land.
KPLC is also required to bear the cost of erecting, re-routing or removing power lines from a private parcel of land.
The Energy Regulation Act 2019, also dictates that Kenya Power can charge one for encroaching on its line's way-leave. Penalties are a fine of not less than Ksh1 million or one-year imprisonment.