NAIROBI, Kenya- Residents of Mbeere North have demanded the immediate return of electricity transformers removed from their villages, expressing fears that the equipment had been relocated elsewhere even as Kenya Power maintained the exercise was part of routine maintenance.
The residents said several villages had been left without electricity after the transformers were removed, prompting concerns over prolonged power outages and speculation that the equipment had been transferred to support electrification projects in other parts of the country.
Some locals questioned why functioning transformers had been taken away and called on Kenya Power to disclose where they had been moved and when electricity would be restored.
In response, the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (Kenya Power) dismissed claims that the transformers had been diverted for political purposes, saying they were removed solely for maintenance and repairs.
The utility firm said transformers that develop technical faults, including water ingress and other defects that cannot be repaired on site, are routinely transported to specialised workshops for testing, repairs and controlled heat drying before being returned to service.
Kenya Power said 15 transformers were removed from Mbeere North between May and June as part of its preventive maintenance programme.
According to the company, 14 transformers have already been repaired and reinstalled, while the remaining unit was vandalised last week and is scheduled to be replaced. It added that customers are notified whenever such maintenance exercises are undertaken.
The controversy follows claims circulating on social media that the transformers had been removed from Mbeere North and taken to Ol Kalou, where a parliamentary by-election is scheduled for July 16.
Mbeere North MP Leo Wamuthende has rejected the allegations, describing them as false and politically motivated.
He said the maintenance programme targets ageing and faulty transformers to improve the reliability and stability of electricity supply in the constituency.
The transformer dispute has emerged amid heightened political activity ahead of the Ol Kalou by-election, where the opposition has accused the government of deploying development projects and public resources to influence voters.
The government has denied the allegations, insisting the projects are part of ongoing development programmes.