EMBU, Kenya— The Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has installed a new transformer in Njarange, Mbeere North, Embu County, following public uproar over the removal of several transformers from the area and allegations they had been diverted for political purposes.
The utility company said its technical team carried out the installation overnight to replace a transformer that had been vandalised, with the new unit expected to restore electricity to affected customers.
New Transformer Installed Overnight
In a statement issued on Thursday, KPLC said engineers from its Embu County office worked through the night to install the replacement transformer.
“Our Embu County technical team is installing a new transformer at Njarange, Mbeere North, to replace a unit that was vandalized last Sunday,” the company said.
Kenya Power added that the installation would restore reliable electricity supply to customers affected by the vandalism and thanked residents for their patience and cooperation as the works were completed.
Residents Raised Alarm Over Removed Transformers
The overnight installation followed growing public concern after residents claimed several transformers installed during the 2025 Mbeere North by-election under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme had been removed from the constituency.
Some residents alleged that the equipment was being transported to Ol Kalou ahead of the July 17 parliamentary by-election, claiming the move was politically motivated.
The allegations quickly gained traction on social media, with residents questioning why transformers that had been installed less than a year earlier had been removed.
One resident, identified as Tabs, claimed the transformers had been taken away under the pretext of maintenance.
“They were taken away for maintenance, yet they hadn’t even been in use for a year. They were installed just for the campaign,” the resident alleged.
Some locals further claimed the transformers had initially been installed to support electrification projects during the Mbeere North by-election campaign.
KPLC Denies Political Claims
Kenya Power has dismissed suggestions that the transformers were removed for political reasons.
In its clarification, the utility company said the equipment was removed as part of a routine preventive maintenance programme aimed at improving the reliability of electricity supply.
According to KPLC, transformers are periodically taken to specialised workshops whenever they develop faults that cannot be repaired on-site.
The company explained that technical issues such as water ingress require transformers to undergo repairs, testing and controlled heat drying before they are returned to service.
KPLC said the maintenance programme has significantly reduced transformer failures nationwide over the past three years and remains an important component of its asset management strategy.
One Transformer Was Vandalised
Kenya Power disclosed that between May and June 2026, a total of 15 transformers were removed from various parts of Mbeere North for scheduled maintenance.
According to the company, 14 of the transformers have already been repaired and reinstalled.
The remaining transformer, KPLC said, was vandalised last week before it could be returned to service, prompting the installation of a new replacement unit in Njarange.
The company maintained that there was no connection between the maintenance exercise and ongoing political campaigns in other parts of the country.