Police in Mtwapa have arrested two persons of interest and recovered stolen Kenya Power equipment following an intelligence-led operation as part of ongoing investigations into theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, January 3, 2026, the National Police Service (NPS) said the arrest was made during a targeted raid in the Cabros–Tausi Hotel area, within Mtwapa, Kilifi County.
The operation was conducted by officers from Mtwapa Police Station after reports linked the suspects to the theft of electrical devices and cables belonging to Kenya Power.
The case highlights growing concerns over vandalism of power installations, which has continued to disrupt electricity supply and expose residents to safety risks.
According to police, the raid followed sustained follow-up investigations aimed at tracking stolen electricity equipment and dismantling networks involved in the illegal trade of power infrastructure. Officers acted on specific intelligence pointing to a rented house where the stolen items were believed to be hidden.
“Yesterday, during follow-up investigations into the theft of electrical devices and cables belonging to Kenya Power, officers from Mtwapa Police Station received intelligence that led them to a residence in the Cabros-Tausi Hotel area,” part of the NPS statement reads.
Police said the intelligence proved accurate after officers searched the premises and discovered stolen items concealed inside the house.
“A search of the premises revealed assorted stolen electrical items concealed within the rented house, leading to the arrest of two suspects in connection with the offence,” NPS stated.
The two suspects were immediately taken into custody as detectives began processing the case and preparing files for prosecution. Police also secured the recovered items as evidence to support the case in court.
“The duo were placed in custody pending arraignment in court, while the recovered items have been secured as exhibits,” the statement reads.
Authorities say theft of power cables and electrical equipment remains a serious challenge, often leading to prolonged blackouts, costly repairs, and danger to the public. Exposed cables and vandalised installations can result in electrocution, fires, and disruption of essential services such as hospitals, businesses, and households.
The police reiterated their commitment to dealing firmly with such crimes and urged members of the public to continue sharing information that can help curb vandalism.
“The National Police Service remains committed to deterring acts of vandalism and theft targeting power installations and equipment, as such crimes not only disrupt electricity supply but also endanger public safety and undermine essential services,” part of the NPS statement reads.
NPS said the investigations into the incident are ongoing as police seek to establish whether the suspects are part of a wider network involved in the theft and resale of electricity equipment.
