Villages in darkness after vandalism of transformers

Residents of Kigumo subcounty in Murang’a county are counting losses following rising cases of vandalism of transformers.

The vandalism, which has left some parts of the subcounty in darkness for months, has affected business activities and occasioned serious economic setbacks.

The residents, who also rely on electricity to conduct some farming activities, have had to find alternative means of tending to their livestock and farms.

Worst affected is Kahumbu ward, with residents complaining that power outages have affected service delivery in local public facilities.

They said even local health facilities have been affected, forcing them to travel to other areas in search of health services.

The residents now want a gang they claim is behind the vandalism to be decisively dealt with to stem their losses and deter future incidents of vandalism.

James Karanja, a resident, said the gang has specialised in draining coolant from transformers, incapacitating them.

Karanja said last Friday, villagers found three men attempting to vandalise a transformer at Gatunduguru market at about 2pm.

The thugs were disguised as Kenya Power Company workers but could not produce any identification to prove that they worked for the company.

“The three were chased away in broad daylight because they couldn’t identify themselves. We are tired of a few people disrupting our lives so that they can make quick cash.”

Karanja further said Gathimaini Dispensary has been operating without power for three months.

This is after a transformer in the area blew up, with Karanja complaining that Kenya Power Company has been taking too long to repair the vandalised and faulty transformers.

Karanja urged the company to hastily reconnect the village to power, saying they will do everything possible to rid the area of vandals.

Mary Mumbi, a community leader, said many of the faulty transformers had been drained of coolant by thieves.

She said the vandals are interested in coolants and copper wires from the transformers, saying the trend has caused locals to spend nights in darkness.

Mumbi said ending the vandalism requires the co-operation of the community, the police and the company, saying power is pivotal to the development of an area.

Kigumo MP Joseph Munyoro said the blackouts have affected local learning institutions, especially in Gathima-ini and Kimotho villages.

“Being without power for several months poses a security risk and affects the daily activities of locals,” he said.

He, however, said the company had given an assurance that the affected transformers will be replaced in a week’s time.

Kahumbu MCA Chefman Njoroge said lack of power has hampered provision of health services in his ward.

This is because some medications need to be kept in refrigerators, and without power, they just go bad.

Murang’a county police commander David Mathiu urged members of the public to give information on the vandals and other criminals operating in their villages.

Mathiu said security officers are working on vandalism of electrical equipment and asked locals to ensure they remain vigilant and report suspects.