Recovered tools, equipment, and a drum of copper winding seized from the transformer vandalism suspects in Kitui, Kenya. / HANDOUTFour suspects have been arrested in Kitui over alleged vandalism of electricity transformers, after a joint operation by Kenya Power security officers and detectives on Wednesday.
The multi-agency team seized copper winding and tools suspected to have been used in the dismantling of power equipment.
According to Kenya Power, the four were travelling in a motor vehicle when the security officers caught up with them and conducted a search leading to their arrest.
“The four were in a motor vehicle with concealed number plates when they were ordered by the security agencies to stop. Upon searching the vehicle, the security officers found one drum of copper winding and other items, including assorted spanners, hacksaw, panga, hammer, among others,” stated Kenya Power.
The suspects subsequently led the security team and DCI officers to two locations where the transformers had been vandalised.
At Kamuungu Primary School, the team discovered a 35KVA transformer that had allegedly been vandalised. Officers also visited Kangweni village, where a 200KVA transformer and a 100KVA transformer were allegedly targeted.
The four suspects were booked at Kitui Police Station, while the vehicle used during the operation was impounded at the station yard as investigations continued.
Under Section 169 of Kenya’s Energy Act, wilfully vandalising or attempting to vandalise energy installations and infrastructure, as well as stealing or attempting to steal energy equipment, constitutes an offence deemed to be an economic crime.
A person convicted under the provision faces a fine of not less than Sh5 million, imprisonment for up to 10 years or both, depending on the offence and circumstances.
Kenyan courts have continued to apply the provision in transformer vandalism cases.
In a 2026 High Court judgement involving the vandalism of two transformers in Migori, the court noted that the Energy Act treats vandalism and theft of energy equipment as economic crimes.
The case involved the theft of transformer copper windings after the equipment was vandalised.
Another High Court case involving vandalism of an energy installation resulted in a Sh5 million fine after the accused pleaded guilty to the offence.
The court noted that the fine prescribed under Section 169(1)(b) of the Energy Act is a minimum fine, while the circumstances of an individual case may affect the default imprisonment term.
Beyond the financial loss to the electricity distributor, vandalism of transformers can disrupt power supply to homes, businesses, schools and other public facilities served by the affected equipment.
Kenya Power has urged customers and members of the public to reject corrupt practices and provide information on suspected malpractice through its confidential whistleblowing channel.
The four suspects remain in police custody pending further processing and possible arraignment, with investigations expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged vandalism.
