Increased vandalism of transformers in Murang’a raise concerns

Murang’a,

Sunday, December 17, 2023

KNA by Bernard Munyao

Murang’a county has in the recent past witnessed increased vandalism of transformers, making residents to operate without electricity for days.

Kenya Power Company (KPC), Business Manager Murang’a branch, Eng. Harrison Kamau has revealed that almost every day of last week, more than two transformers were vandalized, especially in the southern parts of the county.

Speaking to KNA on phone Sunday, Kamau said last Monday the vandals tried to steal four transformers in parts of Kambiti and Kakuzi areas.

“The criminals managed to steal two transformers and they had already dismantled the other two, before they were confronted by members of the public, who managed to arrest one of the suspects,” he noted

The manager observed that frequent blackouts being witnessed in various parts of the county, were as a result of this menace.

“Not every blackout is as a result of a technical hitch, most of the outages are caused by vandalism of the Kenya power infrastructure.

“The sabotage has also caused the company to incur huge losses not counting the damage and inconveniences caused to our customers,” Kamau noted.

The manager said since last week, with the help of members of the public, they have managed to arrest several culprits who have been arraigned in court.

“One of the suspects was arrested during last Monday’s incident, while several others were arrested two weeks ago and their prosecution is ongoing in courts,” he stated.

Kamau said the target for the vandals is to get copper wires and fuel from the transformers saying the existing black market for the items is perpetuating the criminal activity.

The Business Manager called upon members of the public, especially those residing near transformers to be on high alert and check any unusual activity at the company’s installations, whenever power goes off.

“When power goes off, I urge residents and especially those who live near transformers to check if there was any vandalism going on at their vicinity. Don’t assume that every blackout is due to a technical mishap.

Once you get someone interfering with the transformer, alert police and avoid being easily deceived by those who purport to be Kenya Power workers,” remarked Kamau.

The manager appealed for a multi-agency approach to deal with the menace, while imploring the courts to impose heavy penalties on those found guilty of vandalism, so as to deter others from engaging in this form of economic sabotage.

On his part, the Murang’a county commissioner Patrick Mukuria said the county security team in conjunction with area residents have formed transformer surveillance committees in all the sub counties.

He said with the help of these committees, they have managed to thwart a number of attempted vandalism of transformers.

Mukuria challenged members of the public to be at the frontline when safeguarding Kenya power infrastructure and report all those found interfering with the installations.

“The festive season is here and it’s not good to spend days in darkness due to vandalism. Assist us with information that may lead to arrest of unscrupulous individuals behind this felony,” said Mukuria.

Courtesy; KNA