Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the vandalism and collapse of a transmission tower along the Naivasha-Juja 132kV double-circuit line.
The arrests followed a joint intelligence-led operation by the Kenya Power Security Team and the police.
In a statement on Monday, Kenya Power identified the suspects as Peter Njuguna Richu and Gad Mwiruri Njine, who were arrested in Mai Mahiu.
The utility company said searches conducted at the suspects’ homes led to the recovery of tower bracing components, spanners, hacksaw blades and other tools believed to have been used in vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
“Peter Njuguna Richu and Gad Mwiruri Njine were arrested in Mai Mahiu in an intelligence-led operation. Searches at their homes recovered tower bracing components, spanners, hacksaw blades and other vandalism tools,” Kenya Power said.
According to the company, the two suspects admitted involvement in the vandalism and provided information on other suspected vandalism networks and buyers of stolen electricity infrastructure materials operating in Nairobi, Kiambu and neighbouring counties.
The suspects remain in police custody pending arraignment as investigations continue to identify and apprehend other people allegedly involved in the network.
“We commend our Security Team and the police for this breakthrough, and reaffirm our commitment to protecting electricity infrastructure and prosecuting vandals,” Kenya Power said.
The company also thanked members of the public for providing information that has helped security agencies track down individuals suspected of vandalising electricity infrastructure.
“We thank members of the public whose tips continue to help us track down those vandalising electricity infrastructure. Report suspicious activity near electricity installations to the nearest police station or Kenya Power,” the company said.
The arrests come days after an act of vandalism caused the collapse of a transmission tower along the same line, disrupting electricity supply through the Ruaraka Substation.
Kenya Power said the incident occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m., after which its teams rerouted electricity through alternative substations and restored power to affected customers by 4:30 a.m.
The company has repeatedly warned that vandalism of electricity infrastructure poses a threat to public safety, disrupts power supply and causes significant financial losses.
“Protecting electricity infrastructure is a shared responsibility,” Kenya Power said.
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