A crackdown by Kenya Power’s Mt Kenya security team has led to the arrest of five people in Kirinyaga County over illegal electricity connections, theft of meters, and possession of unauthorized electrical tools.
The suspects were picked up in different parts of Kagio town and taken to Kiamaciri Police Station, according to Kirinyaga Kenya Power Branch Manager, Eng. Ruto Kipkorir.
Among those arrested was a well-known local electrician, John Wareri, who was cornered at his hideout in Kagio after weeks of being on the utility company’s radar. Wareri is accused of carrying out unauthorized electricity connections and tampering with transformer (TX) fuses.
“He will be charged with conducting electricity operations without a license and engaging in unauthorized energy connections,” said Kipkorir.
Also arrested was Nelson Maina, the chairman of the Kagio Electricians’ Welfare Group, who is suspected of being behind a string of meter and CIU (Customer Interface Unit) thefts in the area. He, too, faces charges related to illegal energy operations and theft of energy equipment.
A third suspect, David Mungai, was caught in Kiamaciri village while carrying a pair of wooden climbers, a safety belt, and other electrical tools. Authorities say Mungai has previously been linked to unauthorized electrical connections and was under watch. His motorcycle was also impounded.
The security team also arrested Jane Wangithi, a landlord in Kagio, along with her tenant, Ken Kathimba. The two were found in possession of three migrated prepaid meters, raising suspicions over the legality of their connections. Both were taken to Kiamaciri Police Station for questioning.
Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, who was in nearby Kangai village in Mwea constituency during the operation, urged residents to report any suspicious activities involving power lines or KPLC equipment.
“Tampering with national power infrastructure is not only illegal but dangerous. We urge the public to help us protect the grid by reporting any wrongdoing,” Wachira said.
