As the population continues to rise, so does the need for electricity distribution. The recent reforms that resulted in the birth of new energy companies, should go a long way to help increasing electricity rollout across the country. 

It is therefore bye bye EWSA. Electricity cuts can be so annoying especially when you are enjoying a mouthwatering Premiership match! But a few years ago, electricity cuts disrupted a high level wedding in which I happened to be the Best Man

During this particular wedding ceremony, we had first encountered the unpleasant fumes emitted by the traditional dancers. The fumes were so potent that they quickly reached a condensing level, hence creating a heavy down pour of rain. The rain came down with such venom that we were all forced into a small corner of the hall. All windows were shut. Ventilators sealed. Doors blocked! Translation: Effects of perfume increased.

Another drawback about this wedding was that my companion of the day, being the matron of course, happened to be very pregnant. So, I could not dance with her at a zero distance. In fact, I was forced to stretch my arms in order to have a meaningful slow dance movement with her. As the dancers kept the tempo increasing, the pregnant matron was getting more nauseated due to the unpleasant perfumes from the thumping local dancers. All she could do at this stage was to pray for a miracle! At the point of almost breaking down under the influence of toxic perfumes, our miracle was delivered.

The miracle was in form of an electricity blackout. Due to the heavy rains, our wedding hall suddenly turned into total darkness. The music stopped and confusion set in. From nowhere, thugs stormed into the hall and began grabbing guests’ valuables. They took anything and everything ranging from wristwatches to ladies’ handbags. Guests started screaming and wailing, as thugs trampled all over the place.

Being the responsible best man that I was, I carefully guided the matron to the high table. I asked her to take cover lest a flying bottle came for her nose! Smokers started to light their matchboxes to provide some light. The thugs were already heading for the exits with their loot. 

The wedding ceremony was more or less closed. But thanks to a volunteer who used his wit to save the day. This man convinced us that he could provide lights "free of charge”. He was not going to use a generator. He was not even going to install a solar system. No way!

Instead, he picked up his car keys and headed for his Carina. During those days, you had to own a Carina in order to be ranked among the top cream in society. He quickly jumped into the car and switched on the engine. He reversed the car and positioned it at an angle where it faced the main hall. He then switched on his full lights, which instantly flooded the room.

The experiment worked and more volunteers helped out with their car lights. Stability was restored and guests went back to their seats. It was time for the old men to make their usual concluding remarks and exchange bottles of whisky.

As for me, it was time to retire. I stealthily crept out to join Aggrey and Jean Claude. We had seen enough….