Nairobi, Kenya- The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested the alleged mastermind of a sophisticated illegal electricity network that siphoned millions from Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC).
In a statement on Sunday, August 17, the DCI confirmed that detectives attached to KPLC nabbed the suspect, popularly known as Senator, alongside an accomplice. The two are accused of running a clandestine underground network linked directly to the national grid.
Four-Year Operation Costing Millions
According to investigators, the syndicate secretly supplied unmetered power to more than 21 borehole pumps in Igembe North and South, powering large-scale miraa farms.
The network extended from Mpinda village into Kabuitu, Kanyakine, Muthucine, and Mangala, costing KPLC an estimated Sh90.7 million in lost revenue over four years.
The illegal connections also wreaked havoc on infrastructure, damaging 14 transformers. KPLC spent an additional Sh21 million on replacements, bringing the total loss to Sh110.7 million.
Suspects in Custody
The arrested suspects are currently being processed and will be arraigned in court. Detectives say the arrests mark a breakthrough in a long-running investigation into illegal connections that have crippled electricity distribution in parts of Meru County.
Recent Scam Alerts
The arrest comes days after KPLC warned customers about fraudsters impersonating its Managing Director, Joseph Siror. The scammers, according to the utility, have been soliciting bribes and offering fake electricity payment services online.
“Kenya Power has zero tolerance for bribery, fraud and any other unethical conduct. All payments for electricity services should be made through authorised channels,” the company said in a notice.
Authorities urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
