KITUI, Kenya — Four suspects have been arrested in Kitui over the alleged vandalism of electricity transformers, Kenya Power has said.
The suspects — Douglas Kyalo Mbuvi, Joseph Mulei Musovo, Benson Muchiri Kaburia and Peter Musyimi Keli — were arrested on September 16, 2026, during a joint operation involving Kenya Power’s security team and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers from Kitui.
Kenya Power said the four were intercepted while travelling in a motor vehicle with concealed number plates.
Suspects Found With Copper Winding
According to Kenya Power, security officers ordered the vehicle to stop and searched it.
The search allegedly uncovered one drum of copper winding and a collection of tools and other items, including spanners, a hacksaw, a panga and a hammer.
The utility company said the suspects subsequently led investigators to locations where transformers had allegedly been vandalised.
Three Transformers Allegedly Vandalised
Kenya Power said the suspects led the security team to Kamuungu Primary School, where a 35kVA transformer had allegedly been vandalised.
The team was then taken to Kangweni village, where the company said a 200kVA transformer and a 100kVA transformer had also been vandalised.
The incidents are now under investigation.
Suspects Booked at Kitui Police Station
The four suspects were booked at Kitui Police Station, according to Kenya Power.
Their vehicle was also detained at the police station yard as investigations continue.
The utility company did not disclose whether the suspects had been charged in court or when they were expected to appear before a magistrate.
The allegations against them have not been tested in court.
Kenya Power Warns Against Transformer Vandalism
Kenya Power has continued to warn that vandalism of electricity infrastructure can disrupt power supply and expose members of the public to serious safety risks.
The company urged customers and members of the public not to participate in corrupt practices involving electricity infrastructure.
It also asked the public to report suspected malpractice through its confidential whistleblowing channel.
Kenya Power said information provided through the channel can help security agencies investigate cases involving vandalism, theft and other forms of malpractice affecting electricity infrastructure.
