Thugs vandalise electric poles in Bungoma

Unknown people vandalised electric poles at Matumbufu, Kanduyi in Bungoma leaving residents in darkness.

Ruth Maniafu condemned the incident calling on the relevant authorities to intervene and apprehend the assailants.

The resident who was affected by the power outage spoke during an interview with the Star on Friday.

She said her home has been invaded three times and an electric post, wires and bolts were stolen.

Maniafu said used her own money to purchase bolts and wires for replacement.

“This is the fourth time unknown people have attacked my home. They stole electricity wires and left some posts bent, which is dangerous,” she said.

Maniafu also said the outage has restricted movement during night time and her crops have been stolen.

“I’m a farmer. I grow different crops. However, most of the time I harvest half of what I planted because of thieves,” she said.

Maniafu's daughter also condemned the Wednesday night incident.

She blamed the Kenya Power and Lighting Company for keeping silent over the issue, asking them to move with speed and address it.

“We have tried reaching KPLC to come and help us solve this issue so that our area can be lit, staying in darkness is very dangerous,” she said.

Metrine Chinyingi, a resident, said on the same day, unknown people invaded the church, interfered with the meter box, uninstalled bulbs and disappeared.

“The day that Maniafu’s home was vandalised, the church was also invaded,” she said.

Former MCA Julius Wafula condemned police officers at Ekitale police post for sleeping on their job as people vandalise the electricity.

The OCS however told the Star that electricity vandalism in the area is on the rise, saying police have launched investigations to apprehend the suspects.

“We have had many incidents of electricity vandalism that have happened in Bungoma South. We have arrested some of those who caused it and we are still very vigilant on the issue,” he said.