I am a role model, Kenya Power graft suspect Ben Chumo tells Parliament

Embattled ex-Kenya Power boss Ben Chumo has said he considers himself a role model, adding that no single case arose against him during his tenure at the helm of the power and lighting company.

Chumo, who spoke on Monday during his vetting for the position of Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) chairperson, stated that he has never had anything “that would cast any doubts on my integrity in all my service at KPLC and in any other institution.”

“I have served as a role model among young people and professionals alike,” said Chumo.

He further stated that, even as he rose from the department of Human Resource to becoming CEO of Kenya Power, his reputation had never been brought into question.

“I never had any challenges that undermined my integrity and trust in public other than the most recent development that is in public domain,” said Chumo.

Chumo was referring to the incident where he was on July 14, 2018 arrested alongside other senior Kenya Power officials over corruption charges linked to the procurement of faulty transformers, a deal that reportedly cost taxpayers over Ksh.3 million.

They were, however, freed on bail on July 17, 2018, after spending four nights in police cells and the matter is still currently in court.

Chumo, however, sought to clear his name saying the charges facing him in court over the scandal at the electricity company were rooted from issues of procurement during the year 2011/2012.

“At that time I was not the CEO, I became the CEO of KPLC in 2012, ” he said. “I was not even a member of the procurement committee at that time because I was in human resources.”

Chumo, who served at KPLC for over three decades, also said he considers his stint at the electricity house, not as work, but as “living.”

“Serving in one institution for 32 years is a long time. At 62, I would think I stayed at KPLC for a whopping half of my life,” he said.

He put his net worth at approximately Ksh.212 million, adding that he has no affiliations towards any political party whatsoever.

The besieged former KPLC boss says he deserves to be confirmed into the position at SRC, pleading his innocence in the face of the graft charges.

“I could not have waited 32 years to mess up, I think someone is looking to deny me this opportunity, I really deserve it,” he added.

“I don’t think this challenge should deny me this opportunity.”