Police in Athi River, Machakos County, are investigating an incident where a man was injured while allegedly vandalizing Kenya Power and Lighting Company transformer.
Raphael Mwanzia, 32, sustained serious injuries during the botched transformer vandalism incident within Waridi area on June 18.
The incident was reported to Athi River police station as an attempted vandalism.
“Police officers together with officers from DCI Athi River and those from Kenya Power technical security department from Machakos visited the scene and found one Raphael Mwanzia having been electrocuted while vandalizing the transformer,” police said.
Police said the suspect’s left hand was severed at the shoulder.
“The suspect had also visible severe burns on the thighs, but was still conscious,” police said.
The suspect was escorted to Machakos Level 5 hospital for treatment while the severed hand was taken to the same facility’s mortuary for preservation.
Cases of theft and vandalism of KPLC property are currently on the rise not only in Athi River but across the country.
Tens of suspects have been arrested and arraigned in various courts especially in Athi River for stealing and vandalizing Kenya Power property. Some of the suspects were scrap metal dealers.
