Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi speaking during a funeral in Siaya county, May 9, 2025. /COURTESY
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has strongly condemned a wave of vandalism and sabotage targeting electricity infrastructure in the Ugunja area, describing the acts as tragic and unacceptable.
Speaking during a funeral in Siaya county, Wandayi expressed disappointment over the destruction of critical infrastructure, including the siphoning of oil from transformers, cutting of electricity wires, and even felling of electric poles.
He termed the incidents as deliberate sabotage rather than petty theft.
“This is more than being a thief. This is outright sabotage,” he said, adding that some people are cutting wires, siphoning transformer oil, and bringing down electricity poles.
The CS said it was shocking that while the government is working hard to bring development like electricity to the people, a few individuals are busy destroying it.
Wandayi urged national government officials present including administrative officers from the DCC's office to assistant chiefs and the police to act swiftly and ensure those behind the vandalism are arrested and prosecuted.
“I call on the police and all relevant authorities to take legal action. Let those responsible be taken to court and dealt with according to the law. This behaviour must come to an end,” he said.
The CS called for unity among residents and government officials to find lasting solutions to the problem, expressing confidence that collaborative efforts would yield positive results.
“I believe if the relevant government officers come together and focus on this issue, we can find a lasting solution. It is unacceptable for a few criminals to undermine the progress we have made,” he said.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to improving electricity access across the region through various programmes and cautioned the public to safeguard these developments as their own.
Wandayi was speaking during the funeral of nine family members who died after their house was allegedly torched in Sigomre.
The CS appealed for peace. He also urged residents to reason together in during this period and to uphold love and unity in the community.
“I’m happy that we have come together. It wasn’t easy. I ask that we reason in peace during this time and the coming period. Let us pray for the families affected and be people who love one another,” he added.
