Man Nabbed with Sh20 Million Kenya Power Equipment at His House in Ruiru

Police have arrested a suspect who allegedly stole equipment worth millions belonging to Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC).

Joseph Kihara was found with the equipment valued at Sh20 million at his residence in Membley estate, Ruiru. Kihara is said to be a certified contractor for Kenya Power and Rural Electrification Authority.

Among materials recovered include aluminum conductors, electrical cables, electric poles and transformer accessories which authorities said were meant for Loiyangalani Kenya Power line in Turkana County.

Kiambu Police boss Adiel Nyange said the suspect had been sub-contracted by the Chinese Electrical Engineering Company. The Chinese firm was contracted by the government to provide logistics services for the Turkana project.

Kihara is reported to have gone missing and switched off his phone after he won the deal on August 8th this year. Kenya Power head of security Samuel Njue said the suspect may have connived with other employees to steal the materials.

“The rate at which the electric cables were being cut, coated with oil to conceal evidence and their source is enough indictment to confirm Kihara as a vandal,” he said.

Njue said Kenya Power loses over Sh200 million worth of equipment every year to theft. Last year, the power company lost 38 transformers worth Sh19 million.