Detectives recover another haul of vandalised KPLC materials in Ruiru

Detectives have recovered vandalised Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) materials at Kimbo Matangi in Ruiru following a thorough investigation.

This comes after a high-level security team led by the Interior CS Fred Matiang’i unearthed a syndicate targeting KPLC’s infrastructure.

The vandalism caused the monumental power outage that plunged a large part of the country into darkness after high voltage power towers collapsed at the hand of vandals.

Announcing the developments, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Energy Monica Juma, revealed the adverse effects caused by vandalism to the economy.

“Initial estimate of losses amounts to more than Sh75 million, a clear demonstration of the sabotage on the economy and to the aspiration of Government to connect more Kenyans to power,” Juma said.

The CS further said the acts of vandalism are not acceptable and the government will put measures to stop the vice.

At the same time, she appealed to the public to help curb the vice by reporting any suspicious actions.

“I call on every citizen to assist in this effort by reporting any suspicious actions near or on energy infrastructure,” she said.

“If you see any suspicious activity near or on any power infrastructure, please inform us via toll-free number is 991. KenyaPower_Care @KETRACO1.”

In February, another haul of vandalised pieces of Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) high voltage towers and pylons were found at a warehouse in Gikomba.

The discovery came just a day after President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a temporary prohibition on scrap metal trade in the country.

The vandalised KPLC infrastructure fetches a lot of money in the black scrap metal market.