Kenya Power has arrested two suspects in Kisumu linked to the theft of electricity infrastructure valued at KSh3 million. The suspects, Stephen Bala Magak and Frederick Odhiambo Owino, are accused of receiving stolen equipment from vandals in the Manyatta Kona Maji area before reselling it to illegal electricity connectors.
The recovery included a wide range of equipment, such as aluminium conductors, bolts, cables, insulators, surge diverters, and KPLC danger plates. Officials said the items totaled thousands of meters of critical infrastructure that had been stolen and hidden for resale. The haul also included tools commonly used in illegal power connections.
Kenya Power’s Security Services Manager, Maj. (Rtd) Geoffrey Kigen, said the suspects are already in custody. He noted that the operation reflects the company’s resolve to stamp out cartels and individuals who interfere with the electricity supply 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,” he said.
Kigen further revealed that Kisumu and the wider Western Region have been facing frequent outages due to vandalism and illegal connections. He thanked law enforcement agencies for working with Kenya Power to recover the stolen equipment, adding that such joint efforts are key to protecting lives and ensuring reliable service.
Under the Energy Act 2019, tampering with electricity lines or engaging in theft and vandalism attracts penalties of up to KSh5 million in fines or five years in jail. Kenya Power said the crackdown will continue as part of its mission to guarantee uninterrupted supply to customers.
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