Scrap metal dealer arrested in Possession of KPLC assorted materials

Nairobi,

Wednesday, 29 November, 2023 

McCreadie Andias 

A team of Kenya Power security team and police officers have arrested a scrap metal dealer Francis Kaiga, at Industrial area in Nairobi after his yard was found possession 1,020kg of assorted Kenya Power materials on Tuesday. 

The materials included copper, transformer windings, earthings and lugs believed to be property of the Kenya Power and Lightning Company. 

Confirming the incident, Kenya Power security manager Steven Muoka said in the last two weeks, the company has lost two transformers through vandalism in the area of Ruai and Kangundo. 

He said some of the recovered copper windings are fresh believed to be robbed from the vandalized transformer in Ruai. 

"Vandalism is a serious crime under the Energy Act 2019 and those found guilty can either be jailed, fined or face both punishment." Muoka Said. 

Muoka said that the company will tighten its belt in the war against vandalism urging members of the public to report such cases to relevant authorities, he also warned Scrap metal dealers to avoid dealing with KPLC vandalized materials. 

" We are working with the law enforcement enforcement agencies to get rid of vandals and protect our infrastructure so as to ensure the company continues to supply consumers with power." Muoka added. 

Kenya Power had on Tuesday reported another incident where a 28 year old man from Makueni County was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty of vandalizing power lines. 

Roberto Mambo Mutinda was arrested by KPLC security and police officers on November 2023 while using a hacksaw to vandalize a power line.