Four people have been arrested in Kitui over the alleged vandalism of three electricity transformers in different parts of the area.
The suspects were arrested on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, during a joint operation involving security officers and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kitui.
The security team said the four were travelling in a vehicle with concealed number plates when officers ordered them to stop.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a drum containing copper winding and several tools suspected to have been used in the vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
The items recovered included spanners, a hacksaw, a panga and a hammer, among other tools.
Three transformers vandalised
Following the discovery, the suspects allegedly led the officers to a primary school in the area.
The security team said they found that a 35KVA transformer at the school had been vandalised.
The officers were later taken to Kangweni village, where they found two more transformers, rated at 200KVA and 100KVA, which had also allegedly been vandalised.
The four suspects were taken to Kitui Police Station, where they were booked as investigations continued.
Their vehicle was also detained at the station as detectives pursued further leads into the alleged theft and vandalism of the electricity equipment.
Crackdown on power infrastructure theft
The arrests come as authorities step up efforts to deal with the theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure across the country.
The National Police Service has warned members of the public against stealing or handling stolen electricity equipment, saying those found involved would face investigation and possible prosecution.
The latest operation in Kitui comes a day after police in Nairobi arrested two people in Lucky Summer during a joint operation with Kenya Power officials.
Several electricity meters and other items suspected to have been stolen were recovered during that operation.
Authorities have continued to target individuals suspected of stealing or vandalising Kenya Power infrastructure, which can disrupt electricity supply and affect homes, businesses and public facilities.