Five Nabbed in Kirinyaga for Illegal KPLC Equipment and Power Theft
In a separate incident, the KPLC security team apprehended Nelson Maina, chairman of the Kagio Electricians Welfare Group.
All five suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, and they are expected to face multiple charges related to energy theft and unauthorized power dealings. Photo/Citizen Digital
By Juliet Jerotich
In a major crackdown on electricity-related crimes, five individuals were apprehended in Kirinyaga County for alleged involvement in illegal power connections and possession of stolen Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) equipment. The coordinated operation was led by the Mt. Kenya KPLC security team, which also recovered stolen electricity meters, Customer Interface Units (CIUs), climbing gear, safety belts, and other electrical tools commonly used in unauthorized electrical activities.
According to Kirinyaga branch manager, Engineer Ruto Kipkorir, the arrests were made in Kagio town and surrounding areas before the suspects were taken to Kiamaciri Police Station.
The first suspect, identified as John Wareri, a notorious unlicensed electrician, was arrested at his hideout in Kagio town. Wareri had been under surveillance for months for allegedly carrying out illegal power connections and tampering with TX fuses within the county. “He will face charges for conducting electrical operations without proper licensing, unauthorized energy connections, and related offences,” said Eng. Ruto.
In a separate incident, the KPLC security team apprehended Nelson Maina, chairman of the Kagio Electricians Welfare Group. Maina is accused of masterminding illegal power hookups and stealing KPLC meters and CIUs. He was detained at Kiamaciri Police Station and is set to be charged with theft of electricity equipment and unlicensed operations.
The third arrest involved David Mungai, who was caught in Kiamaciri village with a set of wooden climbing tools, a safety belt, and assorted electrical equipment. Investigators believe Mungai has been engaging in unauthorized power installations and interfering with transformer fuses. His motorcycle was also impounded during the operation.
Additionally, a tip-off led to the arrest of Jane Wangithi, a property owner in Kagio, and her tenant Ken Kathimba. The duo was found with three migrated prepaid meters suspected to have been illegally obtained.
Eng. Ruto emphasized that KPLC is intensifying efforts to curb power theft and illegal connections, which not only cause revenue loss but also pose serious safety hazards to residents. He urged the public to report suspicious electrical activities to help eradicate such illegal operations.
All five suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, and they are expected to face multiple charges related to energy theft and unauthorized power dealings.
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