Five people were arrested
on Monday amid Kenya's Power's intensified efforts against vandalism and illegal electricity connections.
James Mukeki was apprehended after he and two others were found vandalising conductors
on the Eastern bypass in Nairobi.
He sustained two bullet wounds in the arrest at Gikambura area, Kikuyu subcounty, and was booked at Kikuyu police station.
Notorious illegal line constructor John Gahura alias Masam was arrested after putting up a line at Magogoni area of Thika West subcounty.
He will be arraigned at Thika law courts on Wednesday.
Three other suspects -
Martin Wanjohi, Joseph Wachira and Naftali Muriuki - were arrested at Gikumbo village, Karatina subcounty for allegedly vandalising conductors.
A security team unearthed a cartel that illegally tapped power from an underground service line supplying a Telkom booster along Lungalunga road in Nairobi.
Investigations were launched for the arrest and prosecution of suspects.
Ten illegal lines and seven prepaid metres were recovered in Igoji and Kanyakine areas, Meru county, last week in an operation by Kenya Power security personnel.
Geoffrey Kigen,
Kenya Power’s
Security Services
acting manager, noted the crimes undermine the quality of power supply and endanger lives.
“Vandalism of electricity distribution equipment and illegal tapping of electrical energy serves to increase the level of power losses, which impacts negatively on revenue generated from sale of electricity,” he said.