Murang’a Detectives Arrest Prime Suspect Linked To Transformer Vandalism

 

Kenya Power’s security team has arrested the prime suspect linked to transformer vandalism within Murang’a’s Karugia area.

KPLC said in a statement Monday, that James Ng’ang’a Muiruri was apprehended at his home following a weekend-long operation that was supported by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) and National Government Administration Officers (NGAO).

He was found in possession of a Kenya Power’s service cable upon a search at his house.

The suspect was later booked at Kenol Police Station pending arraignment in court.

In a similar operation carried out Saturday, a vandal identified as Vincent Gatoto Ndumia believed to be Ng’ang’a’s accomplice was nabbed at Keria village near Mitarakwa factory within Murang’a County, while attempting to vandalise a 100KVA transformer.

At the time of his arrest, Gatoto was driving a motor vehicle belonging to Ng’ang’a.

Upon further investigations and interview by the security team, it was established that Gatoto was working under instruction from Ng’ang’a who was the receiver of the vandalised transformers.

Kenya Power’s acting security Services Manager Paul Nyaga lauded the support that the Company has received from the national security institutions in fighting vandalism and theft of electricity.

He warned members of the public against engaging in illegal activities on the electricity network.

“I want to thank the DCI and NGAO officers for the swift action during the operations that we carried out over the weekend. We will continue carrying out surveillance on the network to weed out all illegal activities that not only endanger the lives of the vandals but also pose danger of loss of life to members of the public,” said Nyaga.

“I ask members of the public to be watchful of energy infrastructure and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or Kenya Power office.”

During the operation, the multi-agency security team also trailed and arrested four more suspects who are believed to be part of a larger syndicate behind vandalism of transformers and other electricity equipment within the counties of Murang’a and Nyeri.

A search at their homesteads in Gikondi, Mukurweini recovered copper windings that were obtained from vandalised transformers.   BY CAPITAL NEWS