Detectives recover more vandalised KPLC equipment at scrap metal yard in Juja

Detectives have recovered more vandalised Kenya Power and Lighting Company materials at a scrap metal yard in the Matangi area, Juja.

The police also arrested three individuals during the Thursday raid in which several vandalised transformers, rolls of aluminium conductors and other assorted KPLC materials were recovered.

A further search in the nearby residences saw the recovery of more vandalised KPLC equipment hidden inside a container at a homestead. 

The container was full of steel bracing probably stolen from critical electrical transmission towers.

Two suspects Johana Thuku and Stephen Githitu who were arrested during the raid were arraigned at a Thika Court to answer vandalism charges and other charges including handling of stolen energy equipment.

The third suspect, Patrick King’ori, was arrested later in the evening after trying to escape the police dragnet.

The authorities have intensified the war against vandalism of critical national installations after the incident that plunged the entire country into darkness.

Following the incident, President Uhuru Kenyatta banned the sale of scrap metal and ordered investigations into the vandalism issue.

Several arrests have been made since and several KPLC equipment have been recovered, with the most recent case being the operation led by the Cabinet Secretary of Energy Monica Juma and Kenya Power MD & CEO, Eng. Rosemary Oduor on Sunday in Ruiru.