MOMBASA, Kenya — Police have arrested two suspects after recovering approximately one tonne of steel conductors stolen from a Kenya Power substation in Shanzu, Mombasa County, in a major operation targeting vandalism of critical electricity infrastructure.
The National Police Service (NPS) said the recovery followed an intelligence-led operation mounted by officers from Bamburi Police Station after receiving information that a group of young men had been spotted carrying wire cables suspected to belong to Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC).
According to police, officers swiftly laid an ambush in the Shanzu area, leading to the recovery of the stolen conductors, which had been concealed in nearby bushes.
Preliminary investigations established that the recovered steel conductors had been stolen from the Shanzu Substation.
The two suspects were arrested at the scene and are being held in police custody pending their arraignment in court.
Phones Recovered as Investigations Continue
Police also recovered three mobile phones believed to be linked to the suspects.
The devices have been secured as exhibits and will form part of the ongoing investigations as detectives seek to identify and apprehend other individuals believed to have participated in the theft.
The National Police Service said efforts to trace additional suspects are continuing.
Threat to Critical Infrastructure
Police warned that theft and vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure continue to pose a significant threat to Kenya’s power distribution network and the broader economy.
According to the NPS, criminal activities involving substations, transformers, conductors and other electrical equipment frequently result in prolonged power outages, costly repairs and disruption of essential public services.
The Service noted that vandalism affects homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and industries that depend on a stable electricity supply.
Authorities also cautioned that the destruction of public infrastructure places an additional financial burden on taxpayers and electricity consumers through increased maintenance and replacement costs.
Police Intensify Crackdown
The National Police Service said it remains committed to protecting public infrastructure through enhanced patrols, intelligence gathering and collaboration with key stakeholders.
The Service added that intelligence-led operations targeting infrastructure vandalism will continue as part of broader efforts to deter organised criminal networks involved in the theft of public utilities.
The suspects are expected to face charges related to theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure once they are arraigned in court.