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 1

                                SCHEDULE 14A
                               (Rule 14a-101)
                  Information Required in Proxy Statement

                          SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
              Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
                      Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the registrant  / /
Filed by party other than the registrant  /x/

Check the appropriate box:
/ /   Preliminary proxy statement   / /   Confidential, for Use of the
                                          Commission Only (as permitted by
/ /   Definitive proxy statement          Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

/ /   Definitive additional materials

/x/   Soliciting material pursuant to
      Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12

                     KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
              (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

                          WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
                 (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)

Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):

/ /   $125 per Exchange Act Rule 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or 14a-
      6(j)(2).
/ /   $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
      14a-6(i)(3).
/ /   Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)4 and 0-
      11.
      (1)   Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
      (2)   Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
      (3)   Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
            computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:
      (4)   Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
      (5)   Total fee paid:
/x/   Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ /   Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
      Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting
      fee was paid previously.  Identify the previous filing by
      registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date
      of its filing.
      (1)   Amount Previously Paid:
      (2)   Form Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
      (3)   Filing Party:
      (4)   Date Filed:


 1

Press release issued April 25, 1996.
 1

                          [WESTERN RESOURCES LOGO]



                   WESTERN RESOURCES SETS RECORD STRAIGHT

                          NO EMPLOYEE LAYOFFS TO 
                 RESULT FROM WESTERN RESOURCES/KCPL MERGER


      TOPEKA, Kansas, April 25, 1996 -- Western Resources today reiterated

its position of no employee layoffs as a result of a Western Resources/KCPL

merger, originally proposed April 14.










 2



      In an April 15 merger filing with the Kansas Corporation Commission,

Western Resources outlined its plan to combine the two companies, including

operational efficiencies and sound business practices designed to reduce

531 positions, not 531 people.

      "This is a clear distinction," said John E. Hayes, Jr., Western

Resources chairman of the board and chief executive officer. "Our plan to

achieve cost savings is done entirely without employee layoffs. The

synergies a Western Resources/KCPL combination provides allow that. 

      "First, we are a growing company, offering job opportunities. Second,

as we go forward through a lengthy regulatory approval process, we will not

fill all vacant positions. That's simply good business. In combination with

our attrition rate of approximately two percent annually, we can continue

to provide all the cost savings, customer rate reductions, and community

benefits of a Western Resources/KCPL merger without layoffs."

      "We remain committed to our long-standing policy of no layoffs,"

Hayes said. "All Western Resources and KCPL employees will retain their

career opportunities in a combined, growing company."

      Hayes said that no matter what others may try to say about what

Western Resources will do, he is committed to no layoffs. "There will be NO

layoffs as a result of this merger," Hayes said.



















 3

      Western Resources (NYSE:WR) is a diversified energy company. Its
utilities, KPL and KGE, operating in Kansas and Oklahoma, provide natural
gas service to approximately 650,000 customers and electric service to
approximately 600,000 customers. Through its subsidiaries, Westar Business
Services, Westar Consumer Services, Westar Capital, and The Wing Group,
energy-related products and services are developed and marketed in the
continental U.S., and offshore. For more information about Western
Resources and its operating companies, visit us on the Internet at
http://www.wstnres.com.


            SHARES OF KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY ("KCPL")
    COMMON STOCK HELD BY WESTERN RESOURCES, INC. ("WESTERN RESOURCES"),
     ITS DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CERTAIN EMPLOYEES, OTHER
   REPRESENTATIVES OF WESTERN RESOURCES AND CERTAIN OTHER PERSONS WHO MAY
   SOLICIT PROXIES, AND CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN ANY OF THEM AND KCPL

         Western Resources may solicit
proxies against the KCPL/UtiliCorp United Inc. merger.  The participants in
this solicitation may include Western Resources, the directors of Western
Resources (Frank J. Becker, Gene A. Budig, C.Q. Chandler, Thomas R.
Clevenger, John C. Dicus, John E. Hayes, Jr., David H. Hughes, Russell W.
Meyer, Jr., John H. Robinson, Louis W. Smith, Susan M. Stanton, Kenneth J.
Wagnon and David C. Wittig), and the following executive officers and
employees of Western Resources or its subsidiaries:  Steven L. Kitchen
(E.V.P. and C.F.O.), Carl M. Koupal, Jr. (E.V.P. and CAO), John K.
Rosenberg (E.V.P. and G.C.), Jerry D. Courington (Controller), James T.
Clark (V.P.), William G. Eliason (V.P.), Thomas L. Grennan (V.P.), Richard
M. Haden (E.V.P.), Norman E. Jackson (E.V.P.), James A. Martin (V.P.), Hans
E. Mertens (V.P.), Carl A. Ricketts (V.P.), David E. Roth (V.P.), Mark A.
Ruelle (V.P.), Edward H. Schaub (V.P.), Thomas E. Shea (Treasurer), Richard
D. Terrill (Secretary), William B. Moore (President, KGE), Steven A.
Millstein (President, Westar Consumer), Rita A. Sharpe (V.P., Westar
Business), Kenneth T. Wymore (President, Westar Business), C. Bob Cline
(President, Westar Capital), Fred M. Bryan (President, KPL), Roderick S. 
Donovan (V.P., Westar Gas Marketing), Catherine A. Forbes, Hal L. Jensen,
Lisa A. Walsh, Donald W. Bartling, Michael L. Faler, Clyde R. Hill, Leroy
P. Wages, David R. Phelps, Wayne Kitchen, Glen A. Scott, Jr., Kelly B.
Harrison, Marcus J. Ramirez, Anita J. Hunt, Ira W. McKee, Jr., Michael D.
Clark (Controller, Westar Business), Douglas J. Henry, Annette M. Beck,
C.W. Underkofler, Carol E. Deason, James N. Wishart, Gregory M. Wright,
Richard D. Kready, Michel' J. Philipp, Greg A. Greenwood, Carolyn A.
Starkey, Bruce A. Akin, James J. Ludwig, Bruce R. Burns, Kelly D. Foley,
Robin D. Brown, Rechell L. Smith, 



 4

Shari L. Gentry, Gay V. Crawford, Susan K. Reese, Don W. Whitlock, Denise A
Schumaker, Duane D. Goertz, Robert J. Knott and Judith A. Wilt.

      As of April 19, 1996, Western Resources had no security holdings in
KCPL.  Robert L. Rives, a person who will solicit proxies, is the
beneficial owner of 500 shares of common stock, no par value, of KCPL (the
"KCPL Common Stock").  Western Resources director Susan M. Stanton serves
as co-trustee of two trusts, which beneficially own 7,900 shares of KCPL
Common Stock.  No trading activity has occurred with respect to any of such
stock during the last two years.  Western Resources director C.Q. Chandler
is Chairman of the board of directors of INTRUST Financial Corporation. 
INTRUST Bank, a subsidiary of INTRUST Financial Corporation, holds in ten
trust accounts an aggregate of 5,468 shares of KCPL Common Stock.  Wayne
Kitchen is the beneficial owner of 400 shares of KCPL Common Stock.

      Other than as set forth, herein, as of the date of this news release,
neither Western Resources nor any of its directors, executive officers or
other representatives or employees of Western Resources, or other persons
known to Western Resources, who may solicit proxies has any security
holdings in KCPL.  Western Resources disclaims beneficial ownership of any
securities of KCPL held by any pension plan of Western Resources or by any
affiliate of Western Resources.

      Although Salomon Brothers Inc, financial advisors to Western
Resources, do not admit that they or any of their directors, officers,
employees or affiliates are a "participant," as defined in Schedule 14A
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or that such Schedule 14A requires the disclosure of
certain information concerning Salomon Brothers Inc, Gregg S. Polle
(Managing Director), Arthur H. Tildesley, Jr. (Director), Terence G. Kawaja
(Vice President) and Anthony R. Whittemore (Associate), in each case of
Salomon Brothers Inc, may assist Western Resources in such a solicitation. 
Salomon Brothers Inc engages in a full range of investment banking,
securities trading, market-making and brokerage services for institutional
and individual clients.  In the normal course of their business, Salomon
Brothers Inc may trade securities of KCPL for their own account and the
account of their customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or
short position in such securities.  As of April 19, 1996, Salomon Brothers
Inc did not hold any securities of KCPL.

      Except as disclosed above, to the knowledge of Western Resources,
none of Western Resources, the directors or executive officers of Western
Resources or the employees or other 



















 5

representatives of Western Resources named above has any interest, direct
or indirect, by security holdings or otherwise, in KCPL.

      A registration statement relating to the Western Resources securities
referred to in this news release has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective.  Such securities may
not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the
registration statement becomes effective.  This news release shall not
constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor
shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such
offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or
qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

 1

Investor fair material.
 1

                             Western Resources
                      making life a little easier(SM)

                      Kansas City Area Investors Fair
                               April 27, 1996

                  Western Resources/KCPL Merger Highlights

o     Tax-free stock-for-stock transaction valued at approximately $1.7
      billion, or $28 per KCPL common share, this represents a 17 percent
      premium over market for KCPL*

o     Aggregate cost savings of more than $1 billion during the first 10
      years following completion of the merger

o     Earnings accretion for KCPL and Western Resources shareholders

o     A rate reduction of $21 million per year ($210 million in the first
      10 years following the merger) for KCPL's retail electric customers

o     A rate reduction of $10 million per year ($100 million in the first
      10 years following the merger) for KGE's retail electric customers

o     Five-year moratorium on electric rate increases for KCPL, KPL, and
      KGE retail customers

o     The headquarters of Western Resources and KPL would remain in Topeka.
      The headquarters of KCPL would remain in Kansas City, Missouri.
      The headquarters of KGE would remain in Wichita.


o     No layoffs of any KCPL or Western Resources' employees.

*  Based on closing stock market prices on 4/12/96, the last trading day
before the WR offer to KCPL

                  Combined Company Profile

                             Western               Merged
                             Resources   KCPL     Company

 Electric Customers          600,000   430,000   1,030,000

 Gas Customers               650,000         0     650,000

 Annual Revenues (millions)   $1,572      $886      $2,458

 Assets (millions)            $5,490    $2,880      $8,370

 Transmission (miles)          6,300     1,700       8,000

 Generating Capacity (MW)      5,240     3,103       8,343

        Western Resources, Inc., P.O. Box 889, Topeka, KS 66601-0889
                          http://www. wstnres.com


 2

            SHARES OF KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY ("KCPL")
    COMMON STOCK HELD BY WESTERN RESOURCES, INC. ("WESTERN RESOURCES"),
     ITS DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CERTAIN EMPLOYEES, OTHER
   REPRESENTATIVES OF WESTERN RESOURCES AND CERTAIN OTHER PERSONS WHO MAY
   SOLICIT PROXIES, AND CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN ANY OF THEM AND KCPL

      Western Resources may solicit proxies against the KCPL/UtiliCorp
United Inc. merger.  The participants in this solicitation may include
Western Resources, the directors of Western Resources (Frank J. Becker,
Gene A. Budig, C.Q. Chandler, Thomas R. Clevenger, John C. Dicus, John E.
Hayes, Jr., David H. Hughes, Russell W. Meyer, Jr., John H. Robinson, Louis
W. Smith, Susan M. Stanton, Kenneth J. Wagnon and David C. Wittig), and the
following executive officers and employees of Western Resources or its
subsidiaries:  Steven L. Kitchen (E.V.P. and C.F.O.), Carl M. Koupal, Jr.
(E.V.P. and C.A.O.), John K. Rosenberg (E.V.P. and G.C.), Jerry D.
Courington (Controller), James T. Clark (V.P.), William G. Eliason (V.P.),
Thomas L. Grennan (V.P.), Richard M. Haden (E.V.P.), Norman E. Jackson
(E.V.P.), James A. Martin (V.P.), Hans E. Mertens (V.P.), Carl A. Ricketts
(V.P.), David E. Roth (V.P.), Mark A. Ruelle (V.P.), Edward H. Schaub
(V.P.), Thomas E. Shea (Treasurer), Richard D. Terrill (Secretary), William
B. Moore (President, KGE), Steven A. Millstein (President, Westar
Consumer), Rita A. Sharpe (V.P., Westar Business), Kenneth T. Wymore
(President, Westar Business), C. Bob Cline (President, Westar Capital),
Fred M. Bryan (President, KPL), Roderick S.  Donovan (V.P., Westar Gas
Marketing), Catherine A. Forbes, Hal L. Jensen, Lisa A. Walsh, Donald W.
Bartling, Michael L. Faler, Clyde R. Hill, Leroy P. Wages, David R. Phelps,
Wayne Kitchen, Glen A. Scott, Jr., Kelly B. Harrison, Marcus J. Ramirez,
Anita J. Hunt, Ira W. McKee, Jr., Michael D. Clark (Controller, Westar
Business), Douglas J. Henry, Annette M. Beck, C.W. Underkofler, Carol E.
Deason, James N. Wishart, Gregory M. Wright, Richard D. Kready, Michel' J.
Philipp, Greg A. Greenwood, Carolyn A. Starkey, Bruce A. Akin, James J.
Ludwig, Bruce R. Burns, Kelly D. Foley, Robin D. Brown, Rechell L. Smith,
Shari L. Gentry, Guy V. Crawford, Susan K. Reese, Don W. Whitlock, Denise
A. Schumaker, Duane D. Goertz, Robert J. Knott and Judith A. Wilt.

      As of April 19, 1996, Western Resources had no security holdings in
KCPL.  Robert L. Rives, a person who will solicit proxies, is the
beneficial owner of 500 shares of common stock, no par value, of KCPL (the
"KCPL Common Stock").  Western Resources director Susan M. Stanton serves
as co-trustee of two trusts, which beneficially own 7,900 shares of KCPL
Common Stock.  No trading activity has occurred with respect to any of such
stock during the last two years.  Western Resources director C.Q. Chandler
is Chairman of the board of directors of INTRUST Financial Corporation. 
INTRUST Bank, a subsidiary of INTRUST Financial Corporation, holds in ten
trust accounts an aggregate of 5,468 shares of KCPL Common Stock.  Wayne
Kitchen is the beneficial owner of 400 shares of KCPL Common Stock.

      Other than as set forth herein, as of the date of this merger
highlight information, neither Western Resources nor any of its directors,
executive officers or other representatives or employees of Western
Resources, or other persons known to Western Resources, who may solicit
proxies has any security holdings in KCPL.  Western Resources disclaims
beneficial ownership of any securities of KCPL held by any pension plan of
Western Resources or by any affiliate of Western Resources.

      Although Salomon Brothers Inc, financial advisors to Western
Resources, do not admit that they or any of their directors, officers,
employees or affiliates are a "participant," as defined in Schedule 14A
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or that such Schedule 14A requires the disclosure of
certain information concerning Salomon Brothers Inc, Gregg S. Polle
(Managing Director), Arthur H. Tildesley, Jr. (Director), Terence G. Kawaja
(Vice President) and Anthony R. Whittemore (Associate), in each case of
Salomon Brothers Inc, may assist Western Resources in such a solicitation. 
Salomon Brothers Inc engages in a full range of investment banking,
securities trading, market-making and brokerage services for institutional
and individual clients.  In the normal course of their business, Salomon
Brothers Inc may trade securities of KCPL 


 3

for their own account and the account of their customers and, accordingly,
may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.  As of
April 19, 1996, Salomon Brothers Inc did not hold any securities of KCPL.

      Except as disclosed above, to the knowledge of Western Resources,
none of Western Resources, the directors or executive officers of Western
Resources or the employees or other representatives of Western Resources
named above has any interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or
otherwise, in KCPL.

      A registration statement relating to the Western Resources securities
referred to in this merger highlight information has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective.  Such
securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the
time the registration statement becomes effective.  This merger highlight
information shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an
offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state
in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to
registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.


 1

Print advertisements published April 26, 1996.
 1

                              April 26, 1996


                        ATTENTION KCPL SHAREHOLDERS

                               OUR OFFER PAYS
                             BETTER DIVIDENDS.


      Critical                 Our Offer:               Their Offer:
       Issues               Western Resources         UtiliCorp United

 KCPL Shareholders'        24% increase in           Dividend "at least in
 Dividend                  dividend to $1.93 vs.     the range" of the
                           $1.56.*                   current dividend.

                           $28.00 per share in       No premium; stock-for-
                           Western Resources         stock transfer.
                           stock, a 17% premium
                           over market.**

                           Tax-free transaction.     Tax-free transaction

 KCPL Customers'           Rate reduction 30%        Rates will be higher
 Dividend                  better than UtiliCorp     than Western Resources'
                           plan.                     offer.

 KCPL Employees'           No layoffs.               No commitments.
 Dividend

 Community Dividend        Maintain KCPL/Western     Current corporate
                           Resources' level of       giving "substantially
                           civic and charitable      comparable" for only 2
                           giving for 5 years.       years.

 Financial Strength        Western Resources' bond   UtiliCorp's bond rating
                           rating is A-.             is BBB.

Western Resources has filed exchange offer materials with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and intends to make its offer directly to
shareholders of KCPL as soon as its registration statement has been
declared effective by the S.E.C.

Western Resources believes its offer is financially superior to the
proposed merger between UtiliCorp United and KCPL which you will be asked
to vote upon at the KCPL shareholders meeting on May 22, 1996.  We intend
to solicit proxies from KCPL shareholders in opposition to the UtiliCorp
merger vote.

                  Vote AGAINST the UtiliCorp/KCPL merger.
     Please look for our materials which will be mailed to you shortly.

                             Western Resources

*Based upon closing stock prices April 24, 1996, and Western Resources'
current annual dividend of $2.06 per share.  
** Based upon closing stock prices April 12, 1996, the last trading date
prior to the public announcement of Western Resources' offer.


 2

            SHARES OF KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY ("KCPL")
    COMMON STOCK HELD BY WESTERN RESOURCES, INC. ("WESTERN RESOURCES"),
     ITS DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CERTAIN EMPLOYEES, OTHER
   REPRESENTATIVES OF WESTERN RESOURCES AND CERTAIN OTHER PERSONS WHO MAY
   SOLICIT PROXIES, AND CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN ANY OF THEM AND KCPL

      Western Resources may solicit proxies against the KCPL/UtiliCorp
United Inc. merger.  The participants in this solicitation may include
Western Resources, the directors of Western Resources (Frank J. Becker,
Gene A. Budig, C.Q. Chandler, Thomas R. Clevenger, John C. Dicus, John E.
Hayes, Jr., David H. Hughes, Russell W. Meyer, Jr., John H. Robinson, Louis
W. Smith, Susan M. Stanton, Kenneth J. Wagnon and David C. Wittig), and the
following executive officers and employees of Western Resources or its
subsidiaries:  Steven L. Kitchen (E.V.P. and C.F.O.), Carl M. Koupal, Jr.
(E.V.P. and C.A.O.), John K. Rosenberg (E.V.P. and G.C.), Jerry D.
Courington (Controller), James T. Clark (V.P.), William G. Eliason (V.P.),
Thomas L. Grennan (V.P.), Richard M. Haden (E.V.P.), Norman E. Jackson
(E.V.P.), James A. Martin (V.P.), Hans E. Mertens (V.P.), Carl A. Ricketts
(V.P.), David E. Roth (V.P.), Mark A. Ruelle (V.P.), Edward H. Schaub
(V.P.), Thomas E. Shea (Treasurer), Richard D. Terrill (Secretary), William
B. Moore (President, KGE), Steven A. Millstein (President, Westar
Consumer), Rita A. Sharpe (V.P., Westar Business), Kenneth T. Wymore
(President, Westar Business), C. Bob Cline (President, Westar Capital),
Fred M. Bryan (President, KPL), Roderick S.  Donovan (V.P., Westar Gas
Marketing), Catherine A. Forbes, Hal L. Jensen, Lisa A. Walsh, Donald W.
Bartling, Michael L. Faler, Clyde R. Hill, Leroy P. Wages, David R. Phelps,
Wayne Kitchen, Glen A. Scott, Jr., Kelly B. Harrison, Marcus J. Ramirez,
Anita J. Hunt, Ira W. McKee, Jr., Michael D. Clark (Controller, Westar
Business), Douglas J. Henry, Annette M. Beck, C.W. Underkofler, Carol E.
Deason, James N. Wishart, Gregory M. Wright, Richard D. Kready, Michel' J.
Philipp, Greg A. Greenwood, Carolyn A. Starkey, Bruce A. Akin, James J.
Ludwig, Bruce R. Burns, Kelly D. Foley, Robin D. Brown, Rechell L. Smith,
Shari L. Gentry, Guy V. Crawford, Susan K. Reese, Don W. Whitlock, Denise
A. Schumaker, Duane D. Goertz, Robert J. Knott and Judith A. Wilt.

      As of April 19, 1996, Western Resources had no security holdings in
KCPL.  Robert L. Rives, a person who will solicit proxies, is the
beneficial owner of 500 shares of common stock, no par value, of KCPL (the
"KCPL Common Stock").  Western Resources director Susan M. Stanton serves
as co-trustee of two trusts, which beneficially own 7,900 shares of KCPL
Common Stock.  No trading activity has occurred with respect to any of such
stock during the last two years.  Western Resources director C.Q. Chandler
is Chairman of the board of directors of INTRUST Financial Corporation. 
INTRUST Bank, a subsidiary of INTRUST Financial Corporation, holds in ten
trust accounts an aggregate of 5,468 shares of KCPL Common Stock.  Wayne
Kitchen is the beneficial owner of 400 shares of KCPL Common Stock.

      Other than as set forth herein, as of the date of this merger
highlight information, neither Western Resources nor any of its directors,
executive officers or other representatives or employees of Western
Resources, or other persons known to Western Resources, who may solicit
proxies has any security holdings in KCPL.  Western Resources disclaims
beneficial ownership of any securities of KCPL held by any pension plan of
Western Resources or by any affiliate of Western Resources.

      Although Salomon Brothers Inc, financial advisors to Western
Resources, do not admit that they or any of their directors, officers,
employees or affiliates are a "participant," as defined in Schedule 14A
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or that such Schedule 14A requires the disclosure of
certain information concerning Salomon Brothers Inc, Gregg S. Polle
(Managing Director), Arthur H. Tildesley, Jr. (Director), Terence G. Kawaja
(Vice President) and Anthony R. Whittemore (Associate), in each case of
Salomon Brothers Inc, may assist Western Resources in such a solicitation. 
Salomon Brothers Inc engages in a full range of investment banking,
securities trading, market-making and brokerage services for institutional
and individual clients.  In the normal course of their business, Salomon
Brothers Inc may trade securities of KCPL 


 3

for their own account and the account of their customers and, accordingly,
may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.  As of
April 19, 1996, Salomon Brothers Inc did not hold any securities of KCPL.

      Except as disclosed above, to the knowledge of Western Resources,
none of Western Resources, the directors or executive officers of Western
Resources or the employees or other representatives of Western Resources
named above has any interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or
otherwise, in KCPL.

      A registration statement relating to the Western Resources securities
referred to in this merger highlight information has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective.  Such
securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the
time the registration statement becomes effective.  This merger highlight
information shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an
offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state
in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to
registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.


 1

                               April 26, 1996



                          ATTENTION KANSAS CITIANS

                                 OUR OFFER
                             GIVES A LONG-TERM
                               COMMITMENT TO
                               THE COMMUNITY

     Critical                 Our Offer:               Their Offer:
      Issues               Western Resources         UtiliCorp United

 KCPL Shareholders'        24% increase in           Dividend "at least in
 Dividend                  dividend to $1.93 vs.     the range" of the
                           $1.56.*                   current dividend.

                           $28.00 per share in       No premium; stock-for-
                           Western Resources         stock transfer.
                           stock, a 17% premium
                           over market.**

                           Tax-free transaction.     Tax-free transaction

 KCPL Customers'           Rate reduction 30%        Rates will be higher
 Dividend                  better than UtiliCorp     than Western Resources'
                           plan.                     offer.

 KCPL Employees'           No layoffs.               No commitments.
 Dividend

 Community Dividend        Maintain KCPL/Western     Current corporate
                           Resources' level of       giving "substantially
                           civic and charitable      comparable" for only 2
                           giving for 5 years.       years.

 Financial Strength        Western Resources' bond   UtiliCorp's bond rating
                           rating is A-.             is BBB.

Western Resources has filed exchange offer materials with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and intends to make its offer directly to
shareholders of KCPL as soon as its registration statement has been
declared effective by the S.E.C.

Western Resources believes its offer is financially superior to the
proposed merger between UtiliCorp United and KCPL which you will be asked
to vote upon at the KCPL shareholders meeting on May 22, 1996.  We intend
to solicit proxies from KCPL shareholders in opposition to the UtiliCorp
merger vote.

                  Vote AGAINST the UtiliCorp/KCPL merger.
     Please look for our materials which will be mailed to you shortly.

                             Western Resources

*Based upon closing stock prices April 24, 1996, and Western Resources'
current annual dividend of $2.06 per share.
** Based upon closing stock prices April 12, 1996, the last trading date
prior to the public announcement of Western Resources' offer.


 2

            SHARES OF KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY ("KCPL")
    COMMON STOCK HELD BY WESTERN RESOURCES, INC. ("WESTERN RESOURCES"),
     ITS DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CERTAIN EMPLOYEES, OTHER
   REPRESENTATIVES OF WESTERN RESOURCES AND CERTAIN OTHER PERSONS WHO MAY
   SOLICIT PROXIES, AND CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN ANY OF THEM AND KCPL

      Western Resources may solicit proxies against the KCPL/UtiliCorp
United Inc. merger.  The participants in this solicitation may include
Western Resources, the directors of Western Resources (Frank J. Becker,
Gene A. Budig, C.Q. Chandler, Thomas R. Clevenger, John C. Dicus, John E.
Hayes, Jr., David H. Hughes, Russell W. Meyer, Jr., John H. Robinson, Louis
W. Smith, Susan M. Stanton, Kenneth J. Wagnon and David C. Wittig), and the
following executive officers and employees of Western Resources or its
subsidiaries:  Steven L. Kitchen (E.V.P. and C.F.O.), Carl M. Koupal, Jr.
(E.V.P. and C.A.O.), John K. Rosenberg (E.V.P. and G.C.), Jerry D.
Courington (Controller), James T. Clark (V.P.), William G. Eliason (V.P.),
Thomas L. Grennan (V.P.), Richard M. Haden (E.V.P.), Norman E. Jackson
(E.V.P.), James A. Martin (V.P.), Hans E. Mertens (V.P.), Carl A. Ricketts
(V.P.), David E. Roth (V.P.), Mark A. Ruelle (V.P.), Edward H. Schaub
(V.P.), Thomas E. Shea (Treasurer), Richard D. Terrill (Secretary), William
B. Moore (President, KGE), Steven A. Millstein (President, Westar
Consumer), Rita A. Sharpe (V.P., Westar Business), Kenneth T. Wymore
(President, Westar Business), C. Bob Cline (President, Westar Capital),
Fred M. Bryan (President, KPL), Roderick S.  Donovan (V.P., Westar Gas
Marketing), Catherine A. Forbes, Hal L. Jensen, Lisa A. Walsh, Donald W.
Bartling, Michael L. Faler, Clyde R. Hill, Leroy P. Wages, David R. Phelps,
Wayne Kitchen, Glen A. Scott, Jr., Kelly B. Harrison, Marcus J. Ramirez,
Anita J. Hunt, Ira W. McKee, Jr., Michael D. Clark (Controller, Westar
Business), Douglas J. Henry, Annette M. Beck, C.W. Underkofler, Carol E.
Deason, James N. Wishart, Gregory M. Wright, Richard D. Kready, Michel' J.
Philipp, Greg A. Greenwood, Carolyn A. Starkey, Bruce A. Akin, James J.
Ludwig, Bruce R. Burns, Kelly D. Foley, Robin D. Brown, Rechell L. Smith,
Shari L. Gentry, Guy V. Crawford, Susan K. Reese, Don W. Whitlock, Denise
A. Schumaker, Duane D. Goertz, Robert J. Knott and Judith A. Wilt.

      As of April 19, 1996, Western Resources had no security holdings in
KCPL.  Robert L. Rives, a person who will solicit proxies, is the
beneficial owner of 500 shares of common stock, no par value, of KCPL (the
"KCPL Common Stock").  Western Resources director Susan M. Stanton serves
as co-trustee of two trusts, which beneficially own 7,900 shares of KCPL
Common Stock.  No trading activity has occurred with respect to any of such
stock during the last two years.  Western Resources director C.Q. Chandler
is Chairman of the board of directors of INTRUST Financial Corporation. 
INTRUST Bank, a subsidiary of INTRUST Financial Corporation, holds in ten
trust accounts an aggregate of 5,468 shares of KCPL Common Stock.  Wayne
Kitchen is the beneficial owner of 400 shares of KCPL Common Stock.

      Other than as set forth herein, as of the date of this merger
highlight information, neither Western Resources nor any of its directors,
executive officers or other representatives or employees of Western
Resources, or other persons known to Western Resources, who may solicit
proxies has any security holdings in KCPL.  Western Resources disclaims
beneficial ownership of any securities of KCPL held by any pension plan of
Western Resources or by any affiliate of Western Resources.

      Although Salomon Brothers Inc, financial advisors to Western
Resources, do not admit that they or any of their directors, officers,
employees or affiliates are a "participant," as defined in Schedule 14A
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or that such Schedule 14A requires the disclosure of
certain information concerning Salomon Brothers Inc, Gregg S. Polle
(Managing Director), Arthur H. Tildesley, Jr. (Director), Terence G. Kawaja
(Vice President) and Anthony R. Whittemore (Associate), in each case of
Salomon Brothers Inc, may assist Western Resources in such a solicitation. 
Salomon Brothers Inc engages in a full range of investment banking,
securities trading, market-making and brokerage services for institutional
and individual clients.  In the normal course of their business, Salomon
Brothers Inc may trade securities of KCPL 


 3

for their own account and the account of their customers and, accordingly,
may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.  As of
April 19, 1996, Salomon Brothers Inc did not hold any securities of KCPL.

      Except as disclosed above, to the knowledge of Western Resources,
none of Western Resources, the directors or executive officers of Western
Resources or the employees or other representatives of Western Resources
named above has any interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or
otherwise, in KCPL.

      A registration statement relating to the Western Resources securities
referred to in this merger highlight information has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective.  Such
securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the
time the registration statement becomes effective.  This merger highlight
information shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an
offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state
in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to
registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.


 1

                              April 26, 1996

                                 OUR OFFER
                                    IS A
                               "WIN WIN WIN."

                            John E. Hayes, Jr.
                   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                           WesternResources, Inc.
                               April 14, 1996

                              Our Offer:               Their Offer:
      Winners              Western Resources         UtiliCorp United

 KCPL Shareholders         25% increase in           Dividend "at least in
                           dividend to $1.95 vs.     the range" of the
                           $1.56.*                   current dividend.

                           $28.00 per share in       No premium; stock-for-
                           Western Resources         stock transfer.
                           stock, a 17% premium
                           over market.**

                           Tax-free transaction.     Tax-free transaction

 KCPL Customers            Continued low rates -     Nothing for KPL
                           27% below the national    customers.
                           average.  No electric
                           rate increases for 5
                           years.

 Employees                 No layoffs.               No commitments.

 Topeka                    KCPL/Western Resources'   Nothing for Topeka.
                           headquarters to remain
                           in Topeka and continued
                           community involvement.

                        Attention KCPL Shareholders

Western Resources has filed exchange offer materials with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and intends to make its offer directly to
shareholders of KCPL as soon as its registration statement has been
declared effective by the S.E.C.

Western Resources believes its offer is financially superior to the
proposed merger between UtiliCorp United and KCPL which you will be asked
to vote upon at the KCPL shareholders meeting on May 22, 1996.  We intend
to solicit proxies from KCPL shareholders in opposition to the UtiliCorp
merger vote.

                  Vote AGAINST the UtiliCorp/KCPL merger.
     Please look for our materials which will be mailed to you shortly.

                             Western Resources

*Based upon closing stock prices April 25, 1996, and Western Resources'
current annual dividend of $2.06 per share.  
** Based upon closing stock prices April 12, 1996, the last trading date
prior to the public announcement of Western Resources' offer.


 2

            SHARES OF KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY ("KCPL")
    COMMON STOCK HELD BY WESTERN RESOURCES, INC. ("WESTERN RESOURCES"),
     ITS DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CERTAIN EMPLOYEES, OTHER
   REPRESENTATIVES OF WESTERN RESOURCES AND CERTAIN OTHER PERSONS WHO MAY
   SOLICIT PROXIES, AND CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN ANY OF THEM AND KCPL

      Western Resources may solicit proxies against the KCPL/UtiliCorp
United Inc. merger.  The participants in this solicitation may include
Western Resources, the directors of Western Resources (Frank J. Becker,
Gene A. Budig, C.Q. Chandler, Thomas R. Clevenger, John C. Dicus, John E.
Hayes, Jr., David H. Hughes, Russell W. Meyer, Jr., John H. Robinson, Louis
W. Smith, Susan M. Stanton, Kenneth J. Wagnon and David C. Wittig), and the
following executive officers and employees of Western Resources or its
subsidiaries:  Steven L. Kitchen (E.V.P. and C.F.O.), Carl M. Koupal, Jr.
(E.V.P. and C.A.O.), John K. Rosenberg (E.V.P. and G.C.), Jerry D.
Courington (Controller), James T. Clark (V.P.), William G. Eliason (V.P.),
Thomas L. Grennan (V.P.), Richard M. Haden (E.V.P.), Norman E. Jackson
(E.V.P.), James A. Martin (V.P.), Hans E. Mertens (V.P.), Carl A. Ricketts
(V.P.), David E. Roth (V.P.), Mark A. Ruelle (V.P.), Edward H. Schaub
(V.P.), Thomas E. Shea (Treasurer), Richard D. Terrill (Secretary), William
B. Moore (President, KGE), Steven A. Millstein (President, Westar
Consumer), Rita A. Sharpe (V.P., Westar Business), Kenneth T. Wymore
(President, Westar Business), C. Bob Cline (President, Westar Capital),
Fred M. Bryan (President, KPL), Roderick S.  Donovan (V.P., Westar Gas
Marketing), Catherine A. Forbes, Hal L. Jensen, Lisa A. Walsh, Donald W.
Bartling, Michael L. Faler, Clyde R. Hill, Leroy P. Wages, David R. Phelps,
Wayne Kitchen, Glen A. Scott, Jr., Kelly B. Harrison, Marcus J. Ramirez,
Anita J. Hunt, Ira W. McKee, Jr., Michael D. Clark (Controller, Westar
Business), Douglas J. Henry, Annette M. Beck, C.W. Underkofler, Carol E.
Deason, James N. Wishart, Gregory M. Wright, Richard D. Kready, Michel' J.
Philipp, Greg A. Greenwood, Carolyn A. Starkey, Bruce A. Akin, James J.
Ludwig, Bruce R. Burns, Kelly D. Foley, Robin D. Brown, Rechell L. Smith,
Shari L. Gentry, Guy V. Crawford, Susan K. Reese, Don W. Whitlock, Denise
A. Schumaker, Duane D. Goertz, Robert J. Knott and Judith A. Wilt.

      As of April 19, 1996, Western Resources had no security holdings in
KCPL.  Robert L. Rives, a person who will solicit proxies, is the
beneficial owner of 500 shares of common stock, no par value, of KCPL (the
"KCPL Common Stock").  Western Resources director Susan M. Stanton serves
as co-trustee of two trusts, which beneficially own 7,900 shares of KCPL
Common Stock.  No trading activity has occurred with respect to any of such
stock during the last two years.  Western Resources director C.Q. Chandler
is Chairman of the board of directors of INTRUST Financial Corporation. 
INTRUST Bank, a subsidiary of INTRUST Financial Corporation, holds in ten
trust accounts an aggregate of 5,468 shares of KCPL Common Stock.  Wayne
Kitchen is the beneficial owner of 400 shares of KCPL Common Stock.

      Other than as set forth herein, as of the date of this merger
highlight information, neither Western Resources nor any of its directors,
executive officers or other representatives or employees of Western
Resources, or other persons known to Western Resources, who may solicit
proxies has any security holdings in KCPL.  Western Resources disclaims
beneficial ownership of any securities of KCPL held by any pension plan of
Western Resources or by any affiliate of Western Resources.

      Although Salomon Brothers Inc, financial advisors to Western
Resources, do not admit that they or any of their directors, officers,
employees or affiliates are a "participant," as defined in Schedule 14A
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or that such Schedule 14A requires the disclosure of
certain information concerning Salomon Brothers Inc, Gregg S. Polle
(Managing Director), Arthur H. Tildesley, Jr. (Director), Terence G. Kawaja
(Vice President) and Anthony R. Whittemore (Associate), in each case of
Salomon Brothers Inc, may assist Western Resources in such a solicitation. 
Salomon Brothers Inc engages in a full range of investment banking,
securities trading, market-making and brokerage services for institutional
and individual clients.  In the normal course of their business, Salomon
Brothers Inc may trade securities of KCPL 


 3

for their own account and the account of their customers and, accordingly,
may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.  As of
April 19, 1996, Salomon Brothers Inc did not hold any securities of KCPL.

      Except as disclosed above, to the knowledge of Western Resources,
none of Western Resources, the directors or executive officers of Western
Resources or the employees or other representatives of Western Resources
named above has any interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or
otherwise, in KCPL.

      A registration statement relating to the Western Resources securities
referred to in this merger highlight information has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective.  Such
securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the
time the registration statement becomes effective.  This merger highlight
information shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an
offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state
in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to
registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.


 1

                               April 26, 1996


                        ATTENTION KCPL SHAREHOLDERS

                               OUR OFFER PAYS
                             BETTER DIVIDENDS.


     Critical                 Our Offer:               Their Offer:
      Issues               Western Resources         UtiliCorp United

 KCPL Shareholders'        22% increase in           Dividend "at least in
 Dividend                  dividend to $1.91 vs.     the range" of the
                           $1.56.*                   current dividend.

                           $28.00 per share in       No premium; stock-for-
                           Western Resources         stock transfer.
                           stock, a 17% premium
                           over market.**

                           Tax-free transaction.     Tax-free transaction

 KCPL Customers'           Rate reduction 30%        Rates will be higher
 Dividend                  better than UtiliCorp     than Western Resources'
                           plan.                     offer.

 KCPL Employees'           No layoffs.               No commitments.
 Dividend

 Community Dividend        Maintain KCPL/Western     Current corporate
                           Resources' level of       giving "substantially
                           civic and charitable      comparable" for only 2
                           giving for 5 years.       years.

 Financial Strength        Western Resources' bond   UtiliCorp's bond rating
                           rating is A-.             is BBB.

Western Resources has filed exchange offer materials with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and intends to make its offer directly to
shareholders of KCPL as soon as its registration statement has been
declared effective by the S.E.C.

Western Resources believes its offer is financially superior to the
proposed merger between UtiliCorp United and KCPL which you will be asked
to vote upon at the KCPL shareholders meeting on May 22, 1996.  We intend
to solicit proxies from KCPL shareholders in opposition to the UtiliCorp
merger vote.

                  Vote AGAINST the UtiliCorp/KCPL merger.
     Please look for our materials which will be mailed to you shortly.

                             Western Resources

*Based upon closing stock prices April 22, 1996, and Western Resources'
current annual dividend of $2.06 per share.  
** Based upon closing stock prices April 12, 1996, the last trading date
prior to the public announcement of Western Resources' offer.


 2

            SHARES OF KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY ("KCPL")
    COMMON STOCK HELD BY WESTERN RESOURCES, INC. ("WESTERN RESOURCES"),
     ITS DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CERTAIN EMPLOYEES, OTHER
   REPRESENTATIVES OF WESTERN RESOURCES AND CERTAIN OTHER PERSONS WHO MAY
   SOLICIT PROXIES, AND CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN ANY OF THEM AND KCPL

      Western Resources may solicit proxies against the KCPL/UtiliCorp
United Inc. merger.  The participants in this solicitation may include
Western Resources, the directors of Western Resources (Frank J. Becker,
Gene A. Budig, C.Q. Chandler, Thomas R. Clevenger, John C. Dicus, John E.
Hayes, Jr., David H. Hughes, Russell W. Meyer, Jr., John H. Robinson, Louis
W. Smith, Susan M. Stanton, Kenneth J. Wagnon and David C. Wittig), and the
following executive officers and employees of Western Resources or its
subsidiaries:  Steven L. Kitchen (E.V.P. and C.F.O.), Carl M. Koupal, Jr.
(E.V.P. and C.A.O.), John K. Rosenberg (E.V.P. and G.C.), Jerry D.
Courington (Controller), James T. Clark (V.P.), William G. Eliason (V.P.),
Thomas L. Grennan (V.P.), Richard M. Haden (E.V.P.), Norman E. Jackson
(E.V.P.), James A. Martin (V.P.), Hans E. Mertens (V.P.), Carl A. Ricketts
(V.P.), David E. Roth (V.P.), Mark A. Ruelle (V.P.), Edward H. Schaub
(V.P.), Thomas E. Shea (Treasurer), Richard D. Terrill (Secretary), William
B. Moore (President, KGE), Steven A. Millstein (President, Westar
Consumer), Rita A. Sharpe (V.P., Westar Business), Kenneth T. Wymore
(President, Westar Business), C. Bob Cline (President, Westar Capital),
Fred M. Bryan (President, KPL), Roderick S.  Donovan (V.P., Westar Gas
Marketing), Catherine A. Forbes, Hal L. Jensen, Lisa A. Walsh, Donald W.
Bartling, Michael L. Faler, Clyde R. Hill, Leroy P. Wages, David R. Phelps,
Wayne Kitchen, Glen A. Scott, Jr., Kelly B. Harrison, Marcus J. Ramirez,
Anita J. Hunt, Ira W. McKee, Jr., Michael D. Clark (Controller, Westar
Business), Douglas J. Henry, Annette M. Beck, C.W. Underkofler, Carol E.
Deason, James N. Wishart, Gregory M. Wright, Richard D. Kready, Michel' J.
Philipp, Greg A. Greenwood, Carolyn A. Starkey, Bruce A. Akin, James J.
Ludwig, Bruce R. Burns, Kelly D. Foley, Robin D. Brown, Rechell L. Smith,
Shari L. Gentry, Guy V. Crawford, Susan K. Reese, Don W. Whitlock, Denise
A. Schumaker, Duane D. Goertz, Robert J. Knott and Judith A. Wilt.

      As of April 19, 1996, Western Resources had no security holdings in
KCPL.  Robert L. Rives, a person who will solicit proxies, is the
beneficial owner of 500 shares of common stock, no par value, of KCPL (the
"KCPL Common Stock").  Western Resources director Susan M. Stanton serves
as co-trustee of two trusts, which beneficially own 7,900 shares of KCPL
Common Stock.  No trading activity has occurred with respect to any of such
stock during the last two years.  Western Resources director C.Q. Chandler
is Chairman of the board of directors of INTRUST Financial Corporation. 
INTRUST Bank, a subsidiary of INTRUST Financial Corporation, holds in ten
trust accounts an aggregate of 5,468 shares of KCPL Common Stock.  Wayne
Kitchen is the beneficial owner of 400 shares of KCPL Common Stock.

      Other than as set forth herein, as of the date of this merger
highlight information, neither Western Resources nor any of its directors,
executive officers or other representatives or employees of Western
Resources, or other persons known to Western Resources, who may solicit
proxies has any security holdings in KCPL.  Western Resources disclaims
beneficial ownership of any securities of KCPL held by any pension plan of
Western Resources or by any affiliate of Western Resources.

      Although Salomon Brothers Inc, financial advisors to Western
Resources, do not admit that they or any of their directors, officers,
employees or affiliates are a "participant," as defined in Schedule 14A
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or that such Schedule 14A requires the disclosure of
certain information concerning Salomon Brothers Inc, Gregg S. Polle
(Managing Director), Arthur H. Tildesley, Jr. (Director), Terence G. Kawaja
(Vice President) and Anthony R. Whittemore (Associate), in each case of
Salomon Brothers Inc, may assist Western Resources in such a solicitation. 
Salomon Brothers Inc engages in a full range of investment banking,
securities trading, market-making and brokerage services for institutional
and individual clients.  In the normal course of their business, Salomon
Brothers Inc may trade securities of KCPL 


 3

for their own account and the account of their customers and, accordingly,
may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.  As of
April 19, 1996, Salomon Brothers Inc did not hold any securities of KCPL.

      Except as disclosed above, to the knowledge of Western Resources,
none of Western Resources, the directors or executive officers of Western
Resources or the employees or other representatives of Western Resources
named above has any interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or
otherwise, in KCPL.

      A registration statement relating to the Western Resources securities
referred to in this merger highlight information has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective.  Such
securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the
time the registration statement becomes effective.  This merger highlight
information shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an
offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state
in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to
registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.


 1

                               April 26, 1996


                        ATTENTION KCPL SHAREHOLDERS

                               OUR OFFER PAYS
                             BETTER DIVIDENDS.


     Critical                 Our Offer:               Their Offer:
      Issues               Western Resources         UtiliCorp United

 KCPL Shareholders'        23% increase in           Dividend "at least in
 Dividend                  dividend to $1.92 vs.     the range" of the
                           $1.56.*                   current dividend.

                           $28.00 per share in       No premium; stock-for-
                           Western Resources         stock transfer.
                           stock, a 17% premium
                           over market.**

                           Tax-free transaction.     Tax-free transaction

 KCPL Customers'           Rate reduction 30%        Rates will be higher
 Dividend                  better than UtiliCorp     than Western Resources'
                           plan.                     offer.

 KCPL Employees'           No layoffs.               No commitments.
 Dividend

 Community Dividend        Maintain KCPL/Western     Current corporate
                           Resources' level of       giving "substantially
                           civic and charitable      comparable" for only 2
                           giving for 5 years.       years.

 Financial Strength        Western Resources' bond   UtiliCorp's bond rating
                           rating is A-.             is BBB.

Western Resources has filed exchange offer materials with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and intends to make its offer directly to
shareholders of KCPL as soon as its registration statement has been
declared effective by the S.E.C.

Western Resources believes its offer is financially superior to the
proposed merger between UtiliCorp United and KCPL which you will be asked
to vote upon at the KCPL shareholders meeting on May 22, 1996.  We intend
to solicit proxies from KCPL shareholders in opposition to the UtiliCorp
merger vote.

                  Vote AGAINST the UtiliCorp/KCPL merger.
     Please look for our materials which will be mailed to you shortly.

                             Western Resources

*Based upon closing stock prices April 19, 1996, and Western Resources'
current annual dividend of $2.06 per share.  
** Based upon closing stock prices April 12, 1996, the last trading date
prior to the public announcement of Western Resources' offer.


 2

            SHARES OF KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY ("KCPL")
    COMMON STOCK HELD BY WESTERN RESOURCES, INC. ("WESTERN RESOURCES"),
     ITS DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CERTAIN EMPLOYEES, OTHER
   REPRESENTATIVES OF WESTERN RESOURCES AND CERTAIN OTHER PERSONS WHO MAY
   SOLICIT PROXIES, AND CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN ANY OF THEM AND KCPL

      Western Resources may solicit proxies against the KCPL/UtiliCorp
United Inc. merger.  The participants in this solicitation may include
Western Resources, the directors of Western Resources (Frank J. Becker,
Gene A. Budig, C.Q. Chandler, Thomas R. Clevenger, John C. Dicus, John E.
Hayes, Jr., David H. Hughes, Russell W. Meyer, Jr., John H. Robinson, Louis
W. Smith, Susan M. Stanton, Kenneth J. Wagnon and David C. Wittig), and the
following executive officers and employees of Western Resources or its
subsidiaries:  Steven L. Kitchen (E.V.P. and C.F.O.), Carl M. Koupal, Jr.
(E.V.P. and C.A.O.), John K. Rosenberg (E.V.P. and G.C.), Jerry D.
Courington (Controller), James T. Clark (V.P.), William G. Eliason (V.P.),
Thomas L. Grennan (V.P.), Richard M. Haden (E.V.P.), Norman E. Jackson
(E.V.P.), James A. Martin (V.P.), Hans E. Mertens (V.P.), Carl A. Ricketts
(V.P.), David E. Roth (V.P.), Mark A. Ruelle (V.P.), Edward H. Schaub
(V.P.), Thomas E. Shea (Treasurer), Richard D. Terrill (Secretary), William
B. Moore (President, KGE), Steven A. Millstein (President, Westar
Consumer), Rita A. Sharpe (V.P., Westar Business), Kenneth T. Wymore
(President, Westar Business), C. Bob Cline (President, Westar Capital),
Fred M. Bryan (President, KPL), Roderick S.  Donovan (V.P., Westar Gas
Marketing), Catherine A. Forbes, Hal L. Jensen, Lisa A. Walsh, Donald W.
Bartling, Michael L. Faler, Clyde R. Hill, Leroy P. Wages, David R. Phelps,
Wayne Kitchen, Glen A. Scott, Jr., Kelly B. Harrison, Marcus J. Ramirez,
Anita J. Hunt, Ira W. McKee, Jr., Michael D. Clark (Controller, Westar
Business), Douglas J. Henry, Annette M. Beck, C.W. Underkofler, Carol E.
Deason, James N. Wishart, Gregory M. Wright, Richard D. Kready, Michel' J.
Philipp, Greg A. Greenwood, Carolyn A. Starkey, Bruce A. Akin, James J.
Ludwig, Bruce R. Burns, Kelly D. Foley, Robin D. Brown, Rechell L. Smith,
Shari L. Gentry, Guy V. Crawford, Susan K. Reese, Don W. Whitlock, Denise
A. Schumaker, Duane D. Goertz, Robert J. Knott and Judith A. Wilt.

      As of April 19, 1996, Western Resources had no security holdings in
KCPL.  Robert L. Rives, a person who will solicit proxies, is the
beneficial owner of 500 shares of common stock, no par value, of KCPL (the
"KCPL Common Stock").  Western Resources director Susan M. Stanton serves
as co-trustee of two trusts, which beneficially own 7,900 shares of KCPL
Common Stock.  No trading activity has occurred with respect to any of such
stock during the last two years.  Western Resources director C.Q. Chandler
is Chairman of the board of directors of INTRUST Financial Corporation. 
INTRUST Bank, a subsidiary of INTRUST Financial Corporation, holds in ten
trust accounts an aggregate of 5,468 shares of KCPL Common Stock.  Wayne
Kitchen is the beneficial owner of 400 shares of KCPL Common Stock.

      Other than as set forth herein, as of the date of this merger
highlight information, neither Western Resources nor any of its directors,
executive officers or other representatives or employees of Western
Resources, or other persons known to Western Resources, who may solicit
proxies has any security holdings in KCPL.  Western Resources disclaims
beneficial ownership of any securities of KCPL held by any pension plan of
Western Resources or by any affiliate of Western Resources.

      Although Salomon Brothers Inc, financial advisors to Western
Resources, do not admit that they or any of their directors, officers,
employees or affiliates are a "participant," as defined in Schedule 14A
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or that such Schedule 14A requires the disclosure of
certain information concerning Salomon Brothers Inc, Gregg S. Polle
(Managing Director), Arthur H. Tildesley, Jr. (Director), Terence G. Kawaja
(Vice President) and Anthony R. Whittemore (Associate), in each case of
Salomon Brothers Inc, may assist Western Resources in such a solicitation. 
Salomon Brothers Inc engages in a full range of investment banking,
securities trading, market-making and brokerage services for institutional
and individual clients.  In the normal course of their business, Salomon
Brothers Inc may trade securities of KCPL 


 3

for their own account and the account of their customers and, accordingly,
may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.  As of
April 19, 1996, Salomon Brothers Inc did not hold any securities of KCPL.

      Except as disclosed above, to the knowledge of Western Resources,
none of Western Resources, the directors or executive officers of Western
Resources or the employees or other representatives of Western Resources
named above has any interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or
otherwise, in KCPL.

      A registration statement relating to the Western Resources securities
referred to in this merger highlight information has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective.  Such
securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the
time the registration statement becomes effective.  This merger highlight
information shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an
offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state
in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to
registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.


 1

April 26, 1996

Attention KGE customers:

Our offer to KCPL
will reduce your
energy rates.

      It's this simple: if Western Resources and Kansas City Power & Light
merge, your KGE energy rates drop.  They drop in the very first year of the
new partnership.

      The annual rate reduction from the merger is $10 million, $100
million over the ten years after the merger, in addition to the rate
reductions already proposed.

      Combining efficiencies of Western Resources and KCPL will save KGE
customers money.

      Western Resources has already proposed rate reductions of $8.7
million a year beginning this August, through 2002.  Joining forces with
KCPL will increase that reduction $10 million per year, all without any
KGE/KCPL employee layoffs.

      KGE consumers will feel the effect of this merger for years to come. 
You'll feel it every month in lower energy costs.

You'll pay less than the national average.

[Bar chart indicating that KGE customers would pay lower rates if Western
Resources and Kansas City Power & Light merge.]

The bottom line:  A common sense offer. With uncommon benefits for you.  No
other offer comes close.


Critical Issues              Our Offer: Western         Their Offer: UtiliCorp
                                   Resources                     United

KGE Customers' Dividend    Additional rate reductions   No additional rate
                           to KGE customers of $100     reductions for KGE
                           million over ten years.      customers.

Employees' Dividend        No layoffs.                  No commitments.

Community Dividend         Locate headquarters of a     No economic development
                           Western Resources business   commitment in KGE
                           unit in Wichita; immediate   customer area.
                           employment potential.

KCPL Shareholders'         22% increase in dividend     Dividend "at least in
Dividend                   to $1.91 vs. $1.56.*         the range" of the
                           $28.00 per share in          current dividend.
                           Western Resources' stock,    No premium; stock-for-
                           a 17% premium over           stock transfer.
                           market.**

                           Tax-free transaction.        Tax-free transaction

Financial Strength         Western Resources' bond      UtiliCorp's bond rating
                           rating is A-.                is BBB.


 2

                        Attention KCPL Shareholders:

Western Resources has filed exchange offer materials with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and intends to make its offer directly to
shareholders of KCPL as soon as its registration statement has been
declared effective by the S.E.C.

Western Resources believes its offer is financially superior to the
proposed merger between UtiliCorp United and KCPL which you will be asked
to vote upon at the KCPL shareholders meeting on May 22, 1996.  We intend
to solicit proxies from KCPL shareholders in opposition to the UtiliCorp
merger vote.

                  Vote AGAINST the UtiliCorp/KCPL merger.
     Please look for our materials which will be mailed to you shortly.

                             Western Resources

* Based upon closing stock prices April 22, 1996, and Western Resources'
current annual dividend of $2.06 per share.
** Based upon closing stock prices April 12, 1996, the last trading date
prior to the public announcement of Western Resources' offer.


 3

            SHARES OF KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY ("KCPL")
    COMMON STOCK HELD BY WESTERN RESOURCES, INC. ("WESTERN RESOURCES"),
     ITS DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CERTAIN EMPLOYEES, OTHER
   REPRESENTATIVES OF WESTERN RESOURCES AND CERTAIN OTHER PERSONS WHO MAY
   SOLICIT PROXIES, AND CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN ANY OF THEM AND KCPL

      Western Resources may solicit proxies against the KCPL/UtiliCorp
United Inc. merger.  The participants in this solicitation may include
Western Resources, the directors of Western Resources (Frank J. Becker,
Gene A. Budig, C.Q. Chandler, Thomas R. Clevenger, John C. Dicus, John E.
Hayes, Jr., David H. Hughes, Russell W. Meyer, Jr., John H. Robinson, Louis
W. Smith, Susan M. Stanton, Kenneth J. Wagnon and David C. Wittig), and the
following executive officers and employees of Western Resources or its
subsidiaries:  Steven L. Kitchen (E.V.P. and C.F.O.), Carl M. Koupal, Jr.
(E.V.P. and C.A.O.), John K. Rosenberg (E.V.P. and G.C.), Jerry D.
Courington (Controller), James T. Clark (V.P.), William G. Eliason (V.P.),
Thomas L. Grennan (V.P.), Richard M. Haden (E.V.P.), Norman E. Jackson
(E.V.P.), James A. Martin (V.P.), Hans E. Mertens (V.P.), Carl A. Ricketts
(V.P.), David E. Roth (V.P.), Mark A. Ruelle (V.P.), Edward H. Schaub
(V.P.), Thomas E. Shea (Treasurer), Richard D. Terrill (Secretary), William
B. Moore (President, KGE), Steven A. Millstein (President, Westar
Consumer), Rita A. Sharpe (V.P., Westar Business), Kenneth T. Wymore
(President, Westar Business), C. Bob Cline (President, Westar Capital),
Fred M. Bryan (President, KPL), Roderick S.  Donovan (V.P., Westar Gas
Marketing), Catherine A. Forbes, Hal L. Jensen, Lisa A. Walsh, Donald W.
Bartling, Michael L. Faler, Clyde R. Hill, Leroy P. Wages, David R. Phelps,
Wayne Kitchen, Glen A. Scott, Jr., Kelly B. Harrison, Marcus J. Ramirez,
Anita J. Hunt, Ira W. McKee, Jr., Michael D. Clark (Controller, Westar
Business), Douglas J. Henry, Annette M. Beck, C.W. Underkofler, Carol E.
Deason, James N. Wishart, Gregory M. Wright, Richard D. Kready, Michel' J.
Philipp, Greg A. Greenwood, Carolyn A. Starkey, Bruce A. Akin, James J.
Ludwig, Bruce R. Burns, Kelly D. Foley, Robin D. Brown, Rechell L. Smith,
Shari L. Gentry, Guy V. Crawford, Susan K. Reese, Don W. Whitlock, Denise
A. Schumaker, Duane D. Goertz, Robert J. Knott and Judith A. Wilt.

      As of April 19, 1996, Western Resources had no security holdings in
KCPL.  Robert L. Rives, a person who will solicit proxies, is the
beneficial owner of 500 shares of common stock, no par value, of KCPL (the
"KCPL Common Stock").  Western Resources director Susan M. Stanton serves
as co-trustee of two trusts, which beneficially own 7,900 shares of KCPL
Common Stock.  No trading activity has occurred with respect to any of such
stock during the last two years.  Western Resources director C.Q. Chandler
is Chairman of the board of directors of INTRUST Financial Corporation. 
INTRUST Bank, a subsidiary of INTRUST Financial Corporation, holds in ten
trust accounts an aggregate of 5,468 shares of KCPL Common Stock.  Wayne
Kitchen is the beneficial owner of 400 shares of KCPL Common Stock.

      Other than as set forth herein, as of the date of this merger
highlight information, neither Western Resources nor any of its directors,
executive officers or other representatives or employees of Western
Resources, or other persons known to Western Resources, who may solicit
proxies has any security holdings in KCPL.  Western Resources disclaims
beneficial ownership of any securities of KCPL held by any pension plan of
Western Resources or by any affiliate of Western Resources.

      Although Salomon Brothers Inc, financial advisors to Western
Resources, do not admit that they or any of their directors, officers,
employees or affiliates are a "participant," as defined in Schedule 14A
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or that such Schedule 14A requires the disclosure of
certain information concerning Salomon Brothers Inc, Gregg S. Polle
(Managing Director), Arthur H. Tildesley, Jr. (Director), Terence G. Kawaja
(Vice President) and Anthony R. Whittemore (Associate), in each case of
Salomon Brothers Inc, may assist Western Resources in such a solicitation. 
Salomon Brothers Inc engages in a full range of investment banking,
securities trading, market-making and brokerage services for institutional
and individual clients.  In the normal course of their business, Salomon
Brothers Inc may trade securities of KCPL 


 4

for their own account and the account of their customers and, accordingly,
may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.  As of
April 19, 1996, Salomon Brothers Inc did not hold any securities of KCPL.

      Except as disclosed above, to the knowledge of Western Resources,
none of Western Resources, the directors or executive officers of Western
Resources or the employees or other representatives of Western Resources
named above has any interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or
otherwise, in KCPL.

      A registration statement relating to the Western Resources securities
referred to in this merger highlight information has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective.  Such
securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the
time the registration statement becomes effective.  This merger highlight
information shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an
offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state
in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to
registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.


 1





                   The following are print advertisements which
                      will appear on April 27 and 28, 1996.


 1

                                                   April 28, 1996

                        ATTENTION KCPL SHAREHOLDERS

                             ALL OFFERS ARE NOT
                               CREATED EQUAL.


         Critical                 Our Offer:               Their Offer:
          Issues               Western Resources         UtiliCorp United

 KCPL Shareholders'        25% increase in           Dividend "at least in
 Dividend                  dividend to $1.95 vs.     the range" of the
                           $1.56.*                   current dividend.

                           $28.00 per share in       No premium; stock-for-
                           Western Resources         stock transfer.
                           stock, a 17% premium
                           over market.**            

                           Tax-free transaction.     Tax-free transaction

 KCPL Customers'           Rate reduction 30%        Rates will be higher
 Dividend                  better than UtiliCorp     than Western Resources'
                           plan.                     offer.

 KCPL Employees'           No layoffs.               No commitments.
 Dividend

 Community Dividend        Maintain KCPL/Western     Current corporate
                           Resources' level of       giving "substantially
                           civic and charitable      comparable" for only 2
                           giving for 5 years.       years.

 Financial Strength        Western Resources' bond   UtiliCorp's bond rating
                           rating is A-.             is BBB.

Western Resources has filed exchange offer materials with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and intends to make its offer directly to
shareholders of KCPL as soon as its registration statement has been
declared effective by the S.E.C.

Western Resources believes its offer is financially superior to the
proposed merger between UtiliCorp United and KCPL which you will be asked
to vote upon at the KCPL shareholders meeting on May 22, 1996.  We intend
to solicit proxies from KCPL shareholders in opposition to the UtiliCorp
merger vote.

                  Vote AGAINST the UtiliCorp/KCPL merger.
     Please look for our materials which will be mailed to you shortly.

                             Western Resources

*Based upon closing stock prices April 25, 1996, and Western Resources'
current annual dividend of $2.06 per share.  
** Based upon closing stock prices April 12, 1996, the last trading date 
prior to the public
announcement of Western Resources' offer.

 2

            SHARES OF KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY ("KCPL")
    COMMON STOCK HELD BY WESTERN RESOURCES, INC. ("WESTERN RESOURCES"),
     ITS DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CERTAIN EMPLOYEES, OTHER
   REPRESENTATIVES OF WESTERN RESOURCES AND CERTAIN OTHER PERSONS WHO MAY
   SOLICIT PROXIES, AND CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN ANY OF THEM AND KCPL

      Western Resources may solicit proxies against the KCPL/UtiliCorp
United Inc. merger.  The participants in this solicitation may include
Western Resources, the directors of Western Resources (Frank J. Becker,
Gene A. Budig, C.Q. Chandler, Thomas R. Clevenger, John C. Dicus, John E.
Hayes, Jr., David H. Hughes, Russell W. Meyer, Jr., John H. Robinson, Louis
W. Smith, Susan M. Stanton, Kenneth J. Wagnon and David C. Wittig), and the
following executive officers and employees of Western Resources or its
subsidiaries:  Steven L. Kitchen (E.V.P. and C.F.O.), Carl M. Koupal, Jr.
(E.V.P. and C.A.O.), John K. Rosenberg (E.V.P. and G.C.), Jerry D.
Courington (Controller), James T. Clark (V.P.), William G. Eliason (V.P.),
Thomas L. Grennan (V.P.), Richard M. Haden (E.V.P.), Norman E. Jackson
(E.V.P.), James A. Martin (V.P.), Hans E. Mertens (V.P.), Carl A. Ricketts
(V.P.), David E. Roth (V.P.), Mark A. Ruelle (V.P.), Edward H. Schaub
(V.P.), Thomas E. Shea (Treasurer), Richard D. Terrill (Secretary), William
B. Moore (President, KGE), Steven A. Millstein (President, Westar
Consumer), Rita A. Sharpe (V.P., Westar Business), Kenneth T. Wymore
(President, Westar Business), C. Bob Cline (President, Westar Capital),
Fred M. Bryan (President, KPL), Roderick S.  Donovan (V.P., Westar Gas
Marketing), Catherine A. Forbes, Hal L. Jensen, Lisa A. Walsh, Donald W.
Bartling, Michael L. Faler, Clyde R. Hill, Leroy P. Wages, David R. Phelps,
Wayne Kitchen, Glen A. Scott, Jr., Kelly B. Harrison, Marcus J. Ramirez,
Anita J. Hunt, Ira W. McKee, Jr., Michael D. Clark (Controller, Westar
Business), Douglas J. Henry, Annette M. Beck, C.W. Underkofler, Carol E.
Deason, James N. Wishart, Gregory M. Wright, Richard D. Kready, Michel' J.
Philipp, Greg A. Greenwood, Carolyn A. Starkey, Bruce A. Akin, James J.
Ludwig, Bruce R. Burns, Kelly D. Foley, Robin D. Brown, Rechell L. Smith,
Shari L. Gentry, Guy V. Crawford, Susan K. Reese, Don W. Whitlock, Denise
A. Schumaker, Duane D. Goertz, Robert J. Knott and Judith A. Wilt.

      As of April 19, 1996, Western Resources had no security holdings in
KCPL.  Robert L. Rives, a person who will solicit proxies, is the
beneficial owner of 500 shares of common stock, no par value, of KCPL (the
"KCPL Common Stock").  Western Resources director Susan M. Stanton serves
as co-trustee of two trusts, which beneficially own 7,900 shares of KCPL
Common Stock.  No trading activity has occurred with respect to any of such
stock during the last two years.  Western Resources director C.Q. Chandler
is Chairman of the board of directors of INTRUST Financial Corporation. 
INTRUST Bank, a subsidiary of INTRUST Financial Corporation, holds in ten
trust accounts an aggregate of 5,468 shares of KCPL Common Stock.  Wayne
Kitchen is the beneficial owner of 400 shares of KCPL Common Stock.

      Other than as set forth herein, as of the date of this merger
highlight information, neither Western Resources nor any of its directors,
executive officers or other representatives or employees of Western
Resources, or other persons known to Western Resources, who may solicit
proxies has any security holdings in KCPL.  Western Resources disclaims
beneficial ownership of any securities of KCPL held by any pension plan of
Western Resources or by any affiliate of Western Resources.

      Although Salomon Brothers Inc, financial advisors to Western
Resources, do not admit that they or any of their directors, officers,
employees or affiliates are a "participant," as defined in Schedule 14A
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or that such Schedule 14A requires the disclosure of
certain information concerning Salomon Brothers Inc, Gregg S. Polle
(Managing Director), Arthur H. Tildesley, Jr. (Director), Terence G. Kawaja
(Vice President) and Anthony R. Whittemore (Associate), in each case of
Salomon Brothers Inc, may assist Western Resources in such a solicitation. 
Salomon Brothers Inc engages in a full range of investment banking,
securities trading, market-making and brokerage services for institutional
and individual clients.  In the normal course of their business, Salomon
Brothers Inc may trade securities of KCPL 


 3

for their own account and the account of their customers and, accordingly,
may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.  As of
April 19, 1996, Salomon Brothers Inc did not hold any securities of KCPL.

      Except as disclosed above, to the knowledge of Western Resources,
none of Western Resources, the directors or executive officers of Western
Resources or the employees or other representatives of Western Resources
named above has any interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or
otherwise, in KCPL.

      A registration statement relating to the Western Resources securities
referred to in this merger highlight information has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective.  Such
securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the
time the registration statement becomes effective.  This merger highlight
information shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an
offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state
in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to
registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

 2

                                                   April 27, 1996

                        ATTENTION KCPL SHAREHOLDERS

                               OUR OFFER BUILDS
                              FINANCIAL STRENGTH.


         Critical                 Our Offer:               Their Offer:
          Issues               Western Resources         UtiliCorp United

 KCPL Shareholders'        25% increase in           Dividend "at least in
 Dividend                  dividend to $1.95 vs.     the range" of the
                           $1.56.*                   current dividend.

                           $28.00 per share in       No premium; stock-for-
                           Western Resources         stock transfer.
                           stock, a 17% premium
                           over market.**            

                           Tax-free transaction.     Tax-free transaction

 KCPL Customers'           Rate reduction 30%        Rates will be higher
 Dividend                  better than UtiliCorp     than Western Resources'
                           plan.                     offer.

 KCPL Employees'           No layoffs.               No commitments.
 Dividend

 Community Dividend        Maintain KCPL/Western     Current corporate
                           Resources' level of       giving "substantially
                           civic and charitable      comparable" for only 2
                           giving for 5 years.       years.

 Financial Strength        Western Resources' bond   UtiliCorp's bond rating
                           rating is A-.             is BBB.

Western Resources has filed exchange offer materials with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and intends to make its offer directly to
shareholders of KCPL as soon as its registration statement has been
declared effective by the S.E.C.

Western Resources believes its offer is financially superior to the
proposed merger between UtiliCorp United and KCPL which you will be asked
to vote upon at the KCPL shareholders meeting on May 22, 1996.  We intend
to solicit proxies from KCPL shareholders in opposition to the UtiliCorp
merger vote.

                  Vote AGAINST the UtiliCorp/KCPL merger.
     Please look for our materials which will be mailed to you shortly.

                             Western Resources

*Based upon closing stock prices April 25, 1996, and Western Resources'
current annual dividend of $2.06 per share.  
** Based upon closing stock
prices April 12, 1996, the last trading date prior to the public
announcement of Western Resources' offer.


 2

            SHARES OF KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY ("KCPL")
    COMMON STOCK HELD BY WESTERN RESOURCES, INC. ("WESTERN RESOURCES"),
     ITS DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CERTAIN EMPLOYEES, OTHER
   REPRESENTATIVES OF WESTERN RESOURCES AND CERTAIN OTHER PERSONS WHO MAY
   SOLICIT PROXIES, AND CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN ANY OF THEM AND KCPL

      Western Resources may solicit proxies against the KCPL/UtiliCorp
United Inc. merger.  The participants in this solicitation may include
Western Resources, the directors of Western Resources (Frank J. Becker,
Gene A. Budig, C.Q. Chandler, Thomas R. Clevenger, John C. Dicus, John E.
Hayes, Jr., David H. Hughes, Russell W. Meyer, Jr., John H. Robinson, Louis
W. Smith, Susan M. Stanton, Kenneth J. Wagnon and David C. Wittig), and the
following executive officers and employees of Western Resources or its
subsidiaries:  Steven L. Kitchen (E.V.P. and C.F.O.), Carl M. Koupal, Jr.
(E.V.P. and C.A.O.), John K. Rosenberg (E.V.P. and G.C.), Jerry D.
Courington (Controller), James T. Clark (V.P.), William G. Eliason (V.P.),
Thomas L. Grennan (V.P.), Richard M. Haden (E.V.P.), Norman E. Jackson
(E.V.P.), James A. Martin (V.P.), Hans E. Mertens (V.P.), Carl A. Ricketts
(V.P.), David E. Roth (V.P.), Mark A. Ruelle (V.P.), Edward H. Schaub
(V.P.), Thomas E. Shea (Treasurer), Richard D. Terrill (Secretary), William
B. Moore (President, KGE), Steven A. Millstein (President, Westar
Consumer), Rita A. Sharpe (V.P., Westar Business), Kenneth T. Wymore
(President, Westar Business), C. Bob Cline (President, Westar Capital),
Fred M. Bryan (President, KPL), Roderick S.  Donovan (V.P., Westar Gas
Marketing), Catherine A. Forbes, Hal L. Jensen, Lisa A. Walsh, Donald W.
Bartling, Michael L. Faler, Clyde R. Hill, Leroy P. Wages, David R. Phelps,
Wayne Kitchen, Glen A. Scott, Jr., Kelly B. Harrison, Marcus J. Ramirez,
Anita J. Hunt, Ira W. McKee, Jr., Michael D. Clark (Controller, Westar
Business), Douglas J. Henry, Annette M. Beck, C.W. Underkofler, Carol E.
Deason, James N. Wishart, Gregory M. Wright, Richard D. Kready, Michel' J.
Philipp, Greg A. Greenwood, Carolyn A. Starkey, Bruce A. Akin, James J.
Ludwig, Bruce R. Burns, Kelly D. Foley, Robin D. Brown, Rechell L. Smith,
Shari L. Gentry, Guy V. Crawford, Susan K. Reese, Don W. Whitlock, Denise
A. Schumaker, Duane D. Goertz, Robert J. Knott and Judith A. Wilt.

      As of April 19, 1996, Western Resources had no security holdings in
KCPL.  Robert L. Rives, a person who will solicit proxies, is the
beneficial owner of 500 shares of common stock, no par value, of KCPL (the
"KCPL Common Stock").  Western Resources director Susan M. Stanton serves
as co-trustee of two trusts, which beneficially own 7,900 shares of KCPL
Common Stock.  No trading activity has occurred with respect to any of such
stock during the last two years.  Western Resources director C.Q. Chandler
is Chairman of the board of directors of INTRUST Financial Corporation. 
INTRUST Bank, a subsidiary of INTRUST Financial Corporation, holds in ten
trust accounts an aggregate of 5,468 shares of KCPL Common Stock.  Wayne
Kitchen is the beneficial owner of 400 shares of KCPL Common Stock.

      Other than as set forth herein, as of the date of this merger
highlight information, neither Western Resources nor any of its directors,
executive officers or other representatives or employees of Western
Resources, or other persons known to Western Resources, who may solicit
proxies has any security holdings in KCPL.  Western Resources disclaims
beneficial ownership of any securities of KCPL held by any pension plan of
Western Resources or by any affiliate of Western Resources.

      Although Salomon Brothers Inc, financial advisors to Western
Resources, do not admit that they or any of their directors, officers,
employees or affiliates are a "participant," as defined in Schedule 14A
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or that such Schedule 14A requires the disclosure of
certain information concerning Salomon Brothers Inc, Gregg S. Polle
(Managing Director), Arthur H. Tildesley, Jr. (Director), Terence G. Kawaja
(Vice President) and Anthony R. Whittemore (Associate), in each case of
Salomon Brothers Inc, may assist Western Resources in such a solicitation. 
Salomon Brothers Inc engages in a full range of investment banking,
securities trading, market-making and brokerage services for institutional
and individual clients.  In the normal course of their business, Salomon
Brothers Inc may trade securities of KCPL 


 3

for their own account and the account of their customers and, accordingly,
may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.  As of
April 19, 1996, Salomon Brothers Inc did not hold any securities of KCPL.

      Except as disclosed above, to the knowledge of Western Resources,
none of Western Resources, the directors or executive officers of Western
Resources or the employees or other representatives of Western Resources
named above has any interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or
otherwise, in KCPL.

      A registration statement relating to the Western Resources securities
referred to in this merger highlight information has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective.  Such
securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the
time the registration statement becomes effective.  This merger highlight
information shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an
offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state
in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to
registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

 1

Employee updates of April 25 and 26, 1996.
 1

                     Western Resources' EMPLOYEE UPDATE

                                                             April 25, 1996

                   Western Resources Sets Record Straight
                            No Employee Layoffs
                To Result from Western Resources/KCPL Merger

      Western Resources today reiterated its position of no employee
layoffs as a result of a Western Resources/ KCPL merger, originally
proposed April 14.

      In an April 15 merger filing with the Kansas Corporation Commission,
Western Resources outlined its plan to combine the two companies, including
operational efficiencies and sound business practices designed to reduce
531 positions, not 531 people.

      "This is a clear distinction," said John E. Hayes, Jr., Western
Resources chairman of the board and chief executive officer. "Our plan to
achieve cost savings is done entirely without employee layoffs. The
synergies a Western Resources/KCPL combination provides allow that.

      "First, we are a growing company, offering job opportunities. Second,
as we go forward through a lengthy regulatory approval process, we will not
fill all vacant positions. That's simply good business. In combination with
our attrition rate of approximately two percent annually, we can continue
to provide all the cost savings, customer rate reductions, and community
benefits of a Western Resources/KCPL merger without layoffs.

      "We remain committed to our long-standing policy of no layoffs,"
Hayes said. "All Western Resources and KCPL employees will retain their
career opportunities in a combined, growing company.

      "Our employees continue to be our greatest asset," said Hayes. "No
matter what others may try to say about what Western Resources will do.
There will be no layoffs as a result of this merger."


 2

            SHARES OF KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY ("KCPL")
    COMMON STOCK HELD BY WESTERN RESOURCES, INC. ("WESTERN RESOURCES"),
     ITS DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CERTAIN EMPLOYEES, OTHER
   REPRESENTATIVES OF WESTERN RESOURCES AND CERTAIN OTHER PERSONS WHO MAY
   SOLICIT PROXIES, AND CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN ANY OF THEM AND KCPL

      Western Resources may solicit proxies against the KCPL/UtiliCorp
United Inc. merger.  The participants in this solicitation may include
Western Resources, the directors of Western Resources (Frank J. Becker,
Gene A. Budig, C.Q. Chandler, Thomas R. Clevenger, John C. Dicus, John E.
Hayes, Jr., David H. Hughes, Russell W. Meyer, Jr., John H. Robinson, Louis
W. Smith, Susan M. Stanton, Kenneth J. Wagnon and David C. Wittig), and the
following executive officers and employees of Western Resources or its
subsidiaries:  Steven L. Kitchen (E.V.P. and C.F.O.), Carl M. Koupal, Jr.
(E.V.P. and C.A.O.), John K. Rosenberg (E.V.P. and G.C.), Jerry D.
Courington (Controller), James T. Clark (V.P.), William G. Eliason (V.P.),
Thomas L. Grennan (V.P.), Richard M. Haden (E.V.P.), Norman E. Jackson
(E.V.P.), James A. Martin (V.P.), Hans E. Mertens (V.P.), Carl A. Ricketts
(V.P.), David E. Roth (V.P.), Mark A. Ruelle (V.P.), Edward H. Schaub
(V.P.), Thomas E. Shea (Treasurer), Richard D. Terrill (Secretary), William
B. Moore (President, KGE), Steven A. Millstein (President, Westar
Consumer), Rita A. Sharpe (V.P., Westar Business), Kenneth T. Wymore
(President, Westar Business), C. Bob Cline (President, Westar Capital),
Fred M. Bryan (President, KPL), Roderick S.  Donovan (V.P., Westar Gas
Marketing), Catherine A. Forbes, Hal L. Jensen, Lisa A. Walsh, Donald W.
Bartling, Michael L. Faler, Clyde R. Hill, Leroy P. Wages, David R. Phelps,
Wayne Kitchen, Glen A. Scott, Jr., Kelly B. Harrison, Marcus J. Ramirez,
Anita J. Hunt, Ira W. McKee, Jr., Michael D. Clark (Controller, Westar
Business), Douglas J. Henry, Annette M. Beck, C.W. Underkofler, Carol E.
Deason, James N. Wishart, Gregory M. Wright, Richard D. Kready, Michel' J.
Philipp, Greg A. Greenwood, Carolyn A. Starkey, Bruce A. Akin, James J.
Ludwig, Bruce R. Burns, Kelly D. Foley, Robin D. Brown, Rechell L. Smith,
Shari L. Gentry, Guy V. Crawford, Susan K. Reese, Don W. Whitlock, Denise
A. Schumaker, Duane D. Goertz, Robert J. Knott and Judith A. Wilt.

      As of April 19, 1996, Western Resources had no security holdings in
KCPL.  Robert L. Rives, a person who will solicit proxies, is the
beneficial owner of 500 shares of common stock, no par value, of KCPL (the
"KCPL Common Stock").  Western Resources director Susan M. Stanton serves
as co-trustee of two trusts, which beneficially own 7,900 shares of KCPL
Common Stock.  No trading activity has occurred with respect to any of such
stock during the last two years.  Western Resources director C.Q. Chandler
is Chairman of the board of directors of INTRUST Financial Corporation. 
INTRUST Bank, a subsidiary of INTRUST Financial Corporation, holds in ten
trust accounts an aggregate of 5,468 shares of KCPL Common Stock.  Wayne
Kitchen is the beneficial owner of 400 shares of KCPL Common Stock.

      Other than as set forth herein, as of the date of this merger
highlight information, neither Western Resources nor any of its directors,
executive officers or other representatives or employees of Western
Resources, or other persons known to Western Resources, who may solicit
proxies has any security holdings in KCPL.  Western Resources disclaims
beneficial ownership of any securities of KCPL held by any pension plan of
Western Resources or by any affiliate of Western Resources.

      Although Salomon Brothers Inc, financial advisors to Western
Resources, do not admit that they or any of their directors, officers,
employees or affiliates are a "participant," as defined in Schedule 14A
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or that such Schedule 14A requires the disclosure of
certain information concerning Salomon Brothers Inc, Gregg S. Polle
(Managing Director), Arthur H. Tildesley, Jr. (Director), Terence G. Kawaja
(Vice President) and Anthony R. Whittemore (Associate), in each case of
Salomon Brothers Inc, may assist Western Resources in such a solicitation. 
Salomon Brothers Inc engages in a full range of investment banking,
securities trading, market-making and brokerage services for institutional
and individual clients.  In the normal course of their business, Salomon
Brothers Inc may trade securities of KCPL 


 3

for their own account and the account of their customers and, accordingly,
may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.  As of
April 19, 1996, Salomon Brothers Inc did not hold any securities of KCPL.

      Except as disclosed above, to the knowledge of Western Resources,
none of Western Resources, the directors or executive officers of Western
Resources or the employees or other representatives of Western Resources
named above has any interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or
otherwise, in KCPL.

      A registration statement relating to the Western Resources securities
referred to in this merger highlight information has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective.  Such
securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the
time the registration statement becomes effective.  This merger highlight
information shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an
offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state
in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to
registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

 1

                              Employee Update

                                                             April 26, 1996

On April 22, John Hayes, Western Resources chairman and chief executive
officer, held a news conference in Kansas City to respond to KCPL's
response concerning our merger proposal. You may call 1-800-825-5589 to
hear excerpts of the April 22 news conference. You also will find
information about our merger proposal with KCPL on our Internet home page,
which may be accessed at http://www.wstnres.com.  

To address questions frequently asked by Western Resources employees, an
employee telephone line - STARLINE - has been implemented. Employees are
encouraged to call 1-800-621-4282 or, from your work location, call 913-
575-8180. Please leave your name and location for the fastest reply. The
following questions and answers summarize the recent activities of
STARLINE:

Q. Has our company considered a three-way merger _ Western
Resources/UtiliCorp/KCPL? If so, or if not, what are the reasons? 

A.  In December, under the belief that UtiliCorp and KCPL were in
discussions concerning a possible combination, Mr. Hayes sent letters to
Drue Jennings and Richard Green requesting an opportunity to meet and
discuss a combination. This request was declined. 

      Because of the natural synergies, Western Resources has studied a
possible combination with KCPL for months. The two companies have
overlapping service territories and more than $8 billion in combined
assets. Today, more than $2 billion, or 25 percent, of those assets are
jointly owned or operated. 

Q.  What percentage of KCPL shareholders need to vote to approve the
UtiliCorp/KCPL merger?

A. In order for the UtiliCorp/KCPL merger to proceed, it must be approved
by two-thirds of KCPL's shareholders.  Western Resources is convinced that
we can demonstrate to more than one-third of KCPL's shareholders that our
offer is better.

      The stock-for-stock tax-free exchange _ Western Resources stock for
KCPL stock _ offered by Western Resources increases the value of each KCPL
shareholders' investment because the Western Resources stock they will
receive is worth more.  In addition to increased stock value, KCPL
shareholders also will see an increased annual dividend.

      Western Resources/KCPL electric customers also will benefit from
reduced electric rates as a result of $1 billion in merger savings.

                                                           continued page 2


 2

            SHARES OF KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY ("KCPL")
           COMMON STOCK HELD BY WESTERN RESOURCES, INC. ("WESTERN
           RESOURCES"), ITS DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND
            CERTAIN EMPLOYEES, OTHER REPRESENTATIVES OF WESTERN
        RESOURCES AND CERTAIN OTHER PERSONS WHO MAY SOLICIT PROXIES,
           AND CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN ANY OF THEM AND KCPL

      Western Resources may solicit proxies against the KCPL/UtiliCorp
United Inc. merger.  The participants in this solicitation may include
Western Resources, the directors of Western Resources (Frank J. Becker,
Gene A. Budig, C.Q. Chandler, Thomas R. Clevenger, John C. Dicus, John E.
Hayes, Jr., David H. Hughes, Russell W. Meyer, Jr., John H. Robinson, Louis
W. Smith, Susan M. Stanton, Kenneth J. Wagnon and David C. Wittig), and the
following executive officers and employees of Western Resources or its
subsidiaries:  Steven L. Kitchen (E.V.P. and C.F.O.), Carl M. Koupal, Jr.
(E.V.P. and CAO), John K. Rosenberg (E.V.P. and G.C.), Jerry D. Courington
(Controller), James T. Clark (V.P.), William G. Eliason (V.P.), Thomas L.
Grennan (V.P.), Richard M. Haden (E.V.P.), Norman E. Jackson (E.V.P.),
James A. Martin (V.P.), Hans E. Mertens (V.P.), Carl A. Ricketts (V.P.),
David E. Roth (V.P.), Mark A. Ruelle (V.P.), Edward H. Schaub (V.P.),
Thomas E. Shea (Treasurer), Richard D. Terrill (Secretary), William B.
Moore (President, KGE), Steven A. Millstein (President, Westar Consumer),
Rita A. Sharpe (V.P., Westar Business), Kenneth T. Wymore (President,
Westar Business), C. Bob Cline (President, Westar Capital), Fred  M. Bryan
(President, KPL), Roderick S.  Donovan (V.P., Westar Gas Marketing),
Catherine A. Forbes, Hal L. Jensen, Lisa A. Walsh, Donald W. Bartling,
Michael L. Faler, Clyde R. Hill, Leroy P. Wages, David R. Phelps, Wayne
Kitchen, Glen A. Scott, Jr., Kelly B. Harrison, Marcus J. Ramirez, Anita J.
Hunt, Ira W. McKee, Jr., Michael D. Clark (Controller, Westar Business),
Douglas J. Henry, Annette M. Beck, C.W. Underkofler, Carol E. Deason, James
N. Wishart, Gregory M. Wright, Richard D. Kready, Michel' J. Philipp, Greg
A. Greenwood, Carolyn A. Starkey, Bruce A. Akin, James J. Ludwig, Bruce R.
Burns, Kelly D. Foley, Robin D. Brown, Rechell L. Smith, Shari L. Gentry,
Gay V. Crawford, Susan K. Reese, Don W. Whitlock, Denise A Schumaker, Duane
D. Goertz, Robert J. Knott and Judith A. Wilt.

      As of April 19, 1996, Western Resources had no security holdings in
KCPL.  Robert L. Rives, a person who will solicit proxies, is the
beneficial owner of 500 shares of common stock, no par value, of KCPL (the
"KCPL Common Stock").  Western Resources director Susan M. Stanton serves
as co-trustee of two trusts, which beneficially own 7,900 shares of KCPL
Common Stock.  No trading activity has occurred with respect to any of such
stock during the last two years.  Western Resources director C.Q. Chandler
is Chairman of the board of directors of INTRUST Financial 


 3

Corporation.  INTRUST Bank, a subsidiary of INTRUST Financial Corporation,
holds in ten trust accounts an aggregate of 5,468 shares of KCPL Common
Stock.  Wayne Kitchen is the beneficial owner of 400 shares of KCPL Common
Stock.

      Other than as set forth, herein, as of the date of this employee
update, neither Western Resources nor any of its directors, executive
officers or other representatives or employees of Western Resources, or
other persons known to Western Resources, who may solicit proxies has any
security holdings in KCPL.  Western Resources disclaims beneficial
ownership of any securities of KCPL held by any pension plan of Western
Resources or by any affiliate of Western Resources.

      Although Salomon Brothers Inc, financial advisors to Western
Resources, do not admit that they or any of their directors, officers,
employees or affiliates are a "participant," as defined in Schedule  14A
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or that such Schedule 14A requires the disclosure of
certain information concerning Salomon Brothers Inc, Gregg S. Polle
(Managing Director), Arthur H. Tildesley, Jr. (Director), Terence G. Kawaja
(Vice President) and Anthony R. Whittemore (Associate), in each case of
Salomon Brothers Inc, may assist Western Resources in such a solicitation. 
Salomon Brothers Inc engages in a full range of investment banking,
securities trading, market-making and brokerage services for institutional
and individual clients.  In the normal course of their business, Salomon
Brothers Inc may trade securities of KCPL for their own account and the
account of their customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or
short position in such securities.  As of April 19, 1996, Salomon Brothers
Inc did not hold any securities of KCPL.

      Except as disclosed above, to the knowledge of Western Resources,
none of Western Resources, the directors or executive officers of Western
Resources or the employees or other representatives of Western Resources
named above has any interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or
otherwise, in KCPL.

      A registration statement relating to the Western Resources securities
referred to in this employee update has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective.  Such securities may
not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the
registration statement becomes effective.  This employee update shall not
constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor
shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such
offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or
qualification under the securities laws of any such state.