Residents of Irate in Nakuru County took to the streets on 10th May 2023 to protest over the prolonged blackout of two weeks. The residents blocked the Naivasha- Mahimahiu road by lighting bonfires on the road. The two-week black out was caused by KPLC failure to replace two transformers that served the Irate area.
Most residents of the area are workers in flower farms in the area and have raised the power issue with the Kenya Power and Lighting Company but their grievances are yet to be heard. The area MCA, Alex Mbugua stated that he visited various KPLC offices but they were unable to help. He further pointed out that the black out has increased insecurity cases in the area. Business that depend on electricity have suffered losses over the forced two-week hiatus by KPLC. A senior manager of KPLC, who wishes to remain anonymous stated that there is nation-wide shortage of transformers which has consequently led to the prolonged blackout in the Irate area.
Anti-riot police were called to the scene to disrupt the situation.