Kenya Power’s security unit and law enforcement officers have arrested two individuals suspected of dealing in stolen electricity infrastructure in the Manyatta Kona Maji, Kisumu County.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 23, the company said the suspects, identified as Stephen Bala Magak and Frederick Odhiambo Owino, are alleged to have been in possession of equipment stolen from vandals before reselling it to people involved in illegal electricity connections.
According to Kenya Power, security officers recovered equipment worth an estimated Ksh3 million during the operation.
Among the items seized were six steady bars, one cross arm (channel), three rolls of stay wire measuring about 100 metres, 146 shackle insulators, 20 metres of HT aluminium conductors, 23 rolls of LV aluminium conductors totaling 1,000 metres, two rolls of 150mm HT aluminium conductors and 87 stay plates.
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Other recovered items include 56 KPLC danger plates, 38 nine-inch bolts, seven metres of three-phase cable, 100 metres of 10mm twisted service cable, 70 bolts measuring 3¼ inches, 30 metres of soft drawn conductors, 49 D-Irons, 18 surge diverters, and 11 rolls of 16mm service cables totaling 2,397 metres.
"The two suspects are already in custody, and this operation is a testament to our commitment to weed out all the persons who are involved in illegal activities within the network. We call upon members of the public to work with us in reporting and safeguarding the same infrastructure that powers their businesses and lives," said Kenya Power’s Security Services Manager, Maj. (Rtd) Geoffrey Kigen.
He further noted, "The Western Region and Kisumu County has been experiencing power issues, some stemming from vandalism and in some instances, illegal connections. Through a coordinated security operation between Kenya Power and Kisumu Central Sub-County Police, we have managed to recover a huge catch of our equipment valued at approximately KShs.3 million. We thank the law enforcers for the support they have given us in our fight against criminal activities that compromise the stability of power supply and endanger lives."
This comes two weeks after police in Kitui County arrested four suspects and impounded a lorry that was found loaded with stolen Kenya Power cables.
In a statement on Friday, September 12, the National Police Service (NPS) said he arrests were made during a patrol operation in Ikutha.
"Police officers on patrol along the Kamutei–Ndithini–Munguni Road in Ikutha Sub-County, Kitui, intercepted a Mitsubishi Canter lorry. Upon conducting a search, they discovered it was loaded with 26 Kenya Power cables and 40 clamps. They also recovered two hacksaws," the statement read.
According to NPS, the suspects were immediately taken into custody and are expected to face charges related to vandalism and theft of critical infrastructure.
"The four suspects were arrested and escorted to Ikutha Police Station, where they were placed in custody pending arraignment in court. The motor vehicle was impounded, and the recovered exhibits secured as evidence," the statement added.
