ADMINISTRATION police officers at a Mwingi district camp have been living in darkness for more than a month now following a power disconnection over non-payment of bills.

The officers who spoke the press said "it is becoming increasingly difficult to endlessly live in darkness." They said they use candles and kerosene lamps to light up their houses. "We thought this was an issue that would be addressed soon but it seems there is no hope. It is only fair that police officers who are tasked with maintaining security have electricity in their living quarters at all times," said one officer who requested not to be named for fear of victimisation.

They officers said electricity in the camp was disconnected following an accrued electricity bill of several months. Mwingi AP commander Abdirahaman Dima yesterday said the matter has been reported to Administration Police Headquarters in Nairobi "because it is them who pay the bills". He acknowledged that his officers have been without power but expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved very soon. "The AP camp bill is paid from the headquarters. When the electricity was disconnected, we communicated the same to them. They have promised to pay the accumulated bill and we hope the power will be reconnected soon," said Dima.

He said the situation had not compromised security in the area noting that his officers were carrying out their work dutifully. The AP boss at the same time said houses worthy Sh750, 000 had been built for the officers to address congestion. He said unlike in the past, the officers were not sharing houses. He noted the houses, which have been completed and occupied, have been built at Mwingi and Waita AP camps saying with more government funding, more would be constructed.