NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan courts have convicted 13 people over the last three months for vandalising electricity infrastructure in a nationwide crackdown targeting destruction and theft of power equipment.
The convictions, delivered between March and May 2026, saw courts impose heavy fines and lengthy jail terms under the Energy Act 2019, as authorities intensify efforts to curb vandalism blamed for widespread power disruptions and financial losses.
In one of the latest rulings, the Eldoret Chief Magistrate’s Court convicted three men on May 6 over vandalism and theft of electricity equipment.
Ernest Kemboi and Amos Swahili were each sentenced to 10 years in prison for every count, while Isaac Maliyos was fined Sh5 million or face 10 years’ imprisonment in default.
Two other suspects, Victor Ndayala and Juliah Mburu, remain before the court, with the case scheduled for mention on May 25.
In Machakos County, the Kithimani Law Court sentenced Stanley Mutia Nyamai, alias Stano, and Daniel Kamau Wambui, alias Hunter, to 10 years in prison or fines of Sh5 million each after they were found guilty of vandalising a Kenya Power transformer worth more than Sh850,000.
The court heard that exhibits linked to the crime, including transformer coils, laminations, bolts, Kenya Power overalls, and approximately 140 litres of transformer oil, were recovered from the suspects’ premises.
Meanwhile, the Luanda Magistrates Court in Vihiga County sentenced Martin Mutuku Mbiti and Joseph Imbaya Orubi to five years in prison each for vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
Additional convictions recorded in March and April included that of Richard Mureithi, who was sentenced by the Siakago Court to 10 years’ imprisonment or a Sh5 million fine on one count and Sh2 million or two years’ imprisonment on a second count.
The Rongo Magistrate Court also jailed Peter Ochieng Ogin and Kelvin Otieno Chabuya for 10 years, while the Migori Law Courts fined Francis Itembe Nyahiri, Jonathan Robi Merengo, and Samuel Mesegeso Marwa Sh50,000 each or two years in prison in default.
Elsewhere, the Kericho Law Courts sentenced Victor Langat to one year in prison for stealing energy infrastructure equipment.
Welcoming the rulings, Kenya Power Managing Director Joseph Siror said the convictions should serve as a warning against the destruction of critical national infrastructure.
“These convictions send a strong message to everyone that vandalism has no place in our society. It is a serious crime punishable by law,” Siror said.
He noted that vandalism disrupts electricity supply to homes, businesses, and public institutions while exposing communities to economic losses and safety risks.
“As a company, we shall keep on working with communities and law enforcement agencies to ensure safe and reliable power supply to our customers,” he added.
Kenya Power said more than 10 vandalism-related cases remain pending before courts across the country.
The utility has previously identified vandalism as one of the leading causes of prolonged power outages in several regions.
Kenya Power said it would continue working with communities through its anti-vandalism campaign dubbed “Pamoja Twang’aa” to protect power infrastructure and reduce future incidents.
