Authorities in Nairobi have exposed and shut down an illegal electricity distribution hub secretly operating near the National Archives.
In a statement on Monday, September 8, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the station which was reportedly supplying power to traders while tampering with street lighting and CCTV lines was dismantled in a joint operation involving the National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Power, and the county government.
The county boss also confirmed that a manhunt has since been launched for the ringleader behind the scheme.
At the same time, Sakaja announced a coordinated plan to secure electricity networks, replace damaged lamps more quickly, and provide armed escorts for technical teams working in high-risk zones.
He noted that the move is in response to frequent cases of vandalism, blackouts, and rising muggings in the city.
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"Together with the National Police Service, we have launched sustained joint operations to stamp out these crimes. Over the weekend, several suspects were apprehended, and investigations are ongoing. Those found culpable will face the full force of the law. Let this be a warning Nairobi will not be a safe haven for criminals," he said.
Sakaja confirmed that recent incidents have left key area among them Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, the Tom Mboya Monument, and the Mama Ngina/Moi Avenue Junction without reliable lighting.
In addition to law enforcement, the county is prioritizing preventive steps, including introducing alternative energy supplies in vulnerable areas, carrying out awareness campaigns to discourage vandalism, and working with local businesses to expand surveillance coverage.
"We are calling upon the business community to stand with us. Installing CCTV cameras and sharing intelligence will help us identify, track, and neutralize offenders more swiftly. Security is a shared responsibility, and together we can close the space on crime," Sakaja added.
This comes months after Sakaja has broken his silence following allegations linking him to hired goons who disrupted protests in Nairobi CBD on Tuesday, June 17.
In a statement on Wednesday, June 18, Sakaja pointed out the constitutional right to protest, further dismissing claims of association with any hired goons.
"To my fellow Kenyans, let us not forget the right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in Article 37 of our Constitution. It guarantees every person the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities peaceably and unarmed.
"However, this right does not override the rights of others to work, to move freely, and to live in safety. The Constitution also mandates the police to protect public order and the rights of non-protesters.
In a call for national unity, Sakaja urged for a broader dialogue to address the root causes of public frustration.
"I believe the time has come for all stakeholders including national leaders, civil society, the security sector, and the citizens to engage in a meaningful national conversation on peace, justice, and unity.
"While the Constitution guarantees the right to protest, I am deeply concerned by the scenes of vandalism, looting, and destruction of property that have marred Nairobi in recent days. Businesses built over years of sacrifice have been vandalised, and public infrastructure paid for by taxpayers destroyed," the statement further read.
