Kenya Power Hunts Suspects After Another Transmission Tower Is Vandalised

KPLC poles that were vandalized PHOTO/KPLC

Kenya Power has launched fresh investigations into the vandalism of a transmission tower along the Naivasha-Juja 132kV power line, with the company’s security team working alongside police to track down those responsible.

The utility company said the latest incident, which led to the collapse of the transmission tower, is part of a series of attacks targeting electricity infrastructure in recent months.

According to Kenya Power, investigators are following new leads as they seek to apprehend the suspects behind the latest act of vandalism.

The incident comes after earlier operations along the Mai Mahiu-Longonot transmission line, where seven suspects were arrested over separate vandalism cases.

Suspects Arrested

In July, David Ngugi Faith, Alex Mungai Kibugi and Lucas Njoru Njoroge were arrested after police recovered vandalised transmission tower components from a scrap metal workshop.

Additionally, earlier this month, police also arrested Daniel Kimani Kuria, whose arrest reportedly led to the apprehension of John Macharia Kiprono and Robert Kamili Gitau.

Also Read: How Can Football End Stadium Rowdiness? Fans Reveal Their Solutions

These three have been charged with vandalism, theft of energy equipment and economic sabotage.

In addition, Kenya Power further said a seventh suspect, Erustus Kamau Mwirici, was arrested in September over the suspected transportation of stolen tower components.

Suspects Still At Large

Two other suspects who are linked to the investigations remain at large, while investigators have secured tower bracings, a motorcycle and a vehicle as exhibits.

Further, the company noted that under the Energy Act, vandalism of energy infrastructure carries a penalty of a fine of at least Ksh 5 million, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both, upon conviction.

Also Read: Fresh Twist in Bosco Kebati Family Feud as Daughter’s Hospital Video Emerges

Kenya Power also disclosed that it has lost 86 transformers to vandalism over the past 10 weeks, saying the attacks have disrupted electricity supply to homes and businesses, endangered lives and resulted in significant financial losses.

Members of the public have been urged to report suspicious activities around electricity installations to the nearest police station or Kenya Power as investigations into the latest incident continue.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates