By Andrew Kariuki

A suspected serial vandal linked to widespread destruction of electrical infrastructure in Kakamega County has been arrested, bringing to an end a two-year manhunt.

Alfred Hassan Bushuru, who police say has been behind repeated cases of transformer vandalism in Shianda and the wider Malava area, was finally apprehended after months of evading authorities.

His troubles date back to August 2, 2024, when detectives attached to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) carried out a targeted raid at his home in Shianda village. Although he managed to escape at the time, officers recovered key evidence linking him to the illegal trade.

Among the items seized during the earlier operation were dismantled transformer parts, copper windings, transformer oil and other electrical equipment believed to have been stolen.

Following his arrest, Bushuru led detectives back to his residence, where a fresh search uncovered additional items of evidential value. These included KPLC meter cards, multiple SIM cards, an electricity application form and various job cards from different institutions, all bearing his name.

Investigators now believe the suspect was part of a larger, well-organised network involved in vandalising power infrastructure and dealing in stolen components.

Police say his activities had left several villages in Shianda in darkness, disrupting livelihoods and essential services.

Bushuru is currently being held at Kabras Police Station as detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) prepare to charge him in court.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting critical infrastructure, warning that vandalism of power installations is a serious offence with far-reaching economic consequences.