Three people arrested by KPLC while trying to vandalize underground cables in Nairobi over the weekend. A police officer attached to DCI, was among the three. Photo: KPLC.
On Monday 9, three people among them a police officer were arrested in Nairobi over the weekend after being caught vandalizing high voltage underground power cables near Nyayo Stadium.
According to a statement by Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), the cables primarily supply power to Ragati and Nairobi West substations, which provide electricity to areas including Upper Hill, Kenyatta National Office, Community Area, South C, Nairobi West among other areas. The act has affected supply of power to Nairobi City Center and its environs.
“The three, Thomas Mutua, Joseph Kyalo and Dennis Mbithi Nzioki, a police officer attached to the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Makadara, were among a group of 10 men armed with crude weapons who were caught vandalizing the 66kV cables. The other suspects fled as the three were apprehended and booked at the Capital Hill police station,” read the statement.
During the arrest, security officers attached to KPLC managed to recover five meters of already vandalized 66Kv underground cable, confiscated four hoes, two spades and two hacksaws. The swift action by the security team from the power company was commended by KPLC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engineer Joseph Siror, stating that the company will strengthen its surveillance further to wipe out illegal activities.
“Vandalism of power infrastructure has continued to pose a serious risk to public safety while disrupting electricity supply to homes and businesses. It is unfortunate that as we work to supply reliable and safe electricity to our customers, a few people are involved in vandalism and other illegal activities that compromise the safety of the network. We will continue to work collaboratively with the public and law enforcement agencies to deal with these illegalities while ensuring that the perpetrators face the law,” Siror said.
He further called on the members of the public to report any unusual activities near electrical installations to the officers around, or any KPLC office. He said that the activities not only affect power supply in homes, but also financial losses to KPLC, to replace the lost vandalized equipment.
KPLC provided its special USSD code, that members of the public to report any suspicious activity *977#.
About the Author
