Kenya Power’s security team, in close collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has arrested two suspects linked to a major theft of electricity infrastructure in the Manyatta Kona Maji area of Kisumu County.
The suspects, Stephen Bala Magak and Frederick Odhiambo Owino, are accused of receiving stolen energy equipment from vandals operating in the region.
They allegedly resold the stolen materials to individuals involved in illegal electricity connections.
The recovered equipment, valued at approximately Sh 3 million, includes a significant haul of critical energy infrastructure components: Six steady bars, One cross arm (channel), Three rolls of stay wire (about 100 meters), 146 shackle insulators, About 20 meters of HT aluminium conductors, 23 rolls of LV aluminium conductors totaling approximately 1,000 meters, Two rolls of 150mm HT aluminium conductors, 87 stay plates, 56 Kenya Power danger plates, 38 nine-inch bolts, Approximately seven meters of three-phase cable, 100 meters of 10mm twisted service cable, 70 bolts measuring 34 inches, 30 meters of soft drawn conductors, 49 D-Irons, 18 surge diverters and 11 rolls of 16mm service cables totaling approximately 2,397 meters
Speaking on the arrests and recovery, Kenya Power’s Security Services Manager, Maj. (Rtd) Geoffrey Kigen, said:
“The two suspects are already in custody, and this operation is a testament to our commitment to weed out all persons involved in illegal activities within the network. We call upon members of the public to work with us by reporting and safeguarding the infrastructure that powers their businesses and lives.”
Maj. Kigen noted that the Western Region, particularly Kisumu County, has been experiencing power disruptions, largely caused by vandalism and illegal connections.
“Through a coordinated security operation between Kenya Power and Kisumu Central Sub-County Police, we have managed to recover a huge cache of equipment valued at approximately Sh 3 million. We thank the law enforcement agencies for their support in our fight against criminal activities that compromise power supply stability and endanger lives.”
Under the Energy Act 2019, tampering with electricity installations, energy theft, vandalism, and damaging power infrastructure are criminal offenses.
Offenders face penalties of up to Sh 5 million in fines, a five-year prison sentence, or both.
Kenya Power remains committed to protecting its infrastructure and ensuring an uninterrupted power supply to customers across the country.
