Five suspects—including a prominent local businesswoman—have been arrested for possession and handling of stolen Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) equipment. The arrests followed a joint operation involving the Kenya Power regional security team and DCI officers in Uasin Gishu County.
Authorities in Eldoret recovered valuable transformer oil, copper wires, and parts from stolen transformers stored in a residential compound owned by one of the suspects. The property reportedly included a pickup truck used to transport the stolen infrastructure.
According to Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi, the group is suspected to have operated a wide-ranging syndicate targeting power infrastructure. The stolen property, valued at more than KSh 500 million, caused widespread blackouts in communities across Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, and West Pokot.
Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga, who had been personally affected by the transformer thefts, welcomed the arrests and called for stricter sentences to deter further crimes.
The suspects are expected to face charges under the Energy Act for vandalism, theft, and handling stolen energy equipment. Law enforcement officials reaffirmed their focus on dismantling networks profiting from such illegal trade and urged members of the public with information to assist ongoing investigations.
