Five individuals have been arrested by the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) security team in Kirinyaga County on charges related to illegal electricity connections, theft of power meters and Customer Interface Units (CIUs), and possession of prohibited electrical tools.
The arrests took place in Kagio town following intensified security operations by the KPLC team, led by the Kirinyaga branch manager, Engineer Ruto Kipkorir. The suspects were detained and taken to Kiamaciri police station, where they are being held pending formal charges.
Engineer Ruto disclosed that the first suspect, John Wareri, a well-known electrician, was apprehended at his hideout within Kagio town. Wareri had been under close surveillance by the KPLC security team due to his involvement in illegal electrical connections and tampering with transformer (TX) fuses in Kirinyaga County. “The suspect will face charges including carrying out electricity operations without a license, unauthorized energy connections, and other related offences,” said Eng. Ruto.
Also arrested was Nelson Maina, chairperson of the Kagio electricians’ welfare group. Maina was found engaging in illegal connections and stealing meters and CIUs within the area. He has been charged with theft of energy equipment and carrying out unauthorized electrical operations.
The third suspect, David Mungai, was caught in possession of a pair of wooden climbers, a safety belt, and assorted electrical tools at Kiamaciri village in Kagio town. Mungai had also been under surveillance for illegal electrical activities and interference with transformer fuses. His motorcycle was impounded by police as part of the investigation.
In a coordinated move, the KPLC security team, acting on a tip-off, arrested Jane Wangithi, a plot owner in Kagio, and her tenant Ken Kathimba. The pair was found in possession of three migrated prepaid meters, devices illegally altered to bypass proper billing. Both suspects were taken to Kiamaciri police station for interrogation and statement recording.
Separately, at Kangai village in Mwea Constituency, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira condemned the theft of KPLC equipment and urged residents to report any suspicious activities or theft incidents to the nearest KPLC branch offices. “Such illegal actions not only compromise the safety of the community but also disrupt power supply and increase operational costs,” Wachira emphasized.
KPLC continues to intensify its security and public awareness campaigns aimed at curbing electricity theft and safeguarding infrastructure across the country.
Written By Rodney Mbua
