A US journalist gained overnight fame in Kenya following the nationwide power outage experienced in most parts of the country on Tuesday, January 11.

Ben Terry, who works for KPLC TV 7 based in Louisiana State, was dragged into a power outage fiasco by irate Kenyans who were demanding answers from Kenya Power.

Terry found himself on the receiving end with most Kenyans flooding his page asking him to explain the situation and steps taken by the power utility company to address the perennial power outage problem.

US Journalist Ben Terry of TV KPLC 7 based in Louisiana in a car

FILE

This was triggered by his social media name, KPLC, which is a semblance of Kenya Power. Most social media users confused his Twitter handle to that of the government agency.

The journalist, explained that the confusion was a blessing in disguise as he gained a number of Kenyan social media followers in the process.

"I just gained several Twitter followers from Kenya over the past 24 hours. Just so you know, I am not associated with the KPLC that is Kenya Power and Light Company for future reference. However, I hope you do like weather updates for Southwest Louisiana. Welcome aboard!" he clarified.

The journalist further detailed that he has no plans of acquiring Kenya Power after being asked by one of the social media users about his relationship with the company.

"Oh no! I wish I could help you but I have no interest in buying a power company."

To give hope to Kenyans who were affected by the power outage, Terry noted that at one point he was forced to go for a week without power supply after his state was hit by a hurricane.

"Our power was out for weeks in Louisiana after Hurricane Laura. Hopefully, it (power) is restored soon in Kenya!"

Three major transmission failures plunged Kenya's power into the worst nationwide power blackout in recent years just days after it was announced that electricity cost was cut by 15 per cent. 

Kenya Power noted that the mid-morning outage happened after towers supporting a high-voltage power line linking Nairobi to the Kiambere hydroelectric dam collapsed at around 10.45am on Tuesday, January 11.

By 5pm Kenya Power had restored electricity in most parts of the country except Kitui, Mwingi, and Garissa. However, a third hitch was reported and affected sections of the Nairobi Central Business District, Kilimani, Hurlingham, Syokimau, Athi River, Kitengela, Mlolongo and adjacent areas.

An image of a high voltage transmission power line tower. COURTESY Kenyans.co.ke