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Authorities in Kisumu County have apprehended two suspects linked to the theft of electricity infrastructure valued at around KSh 3 million, in an operation involving Kenya Power and local police.
Kisumu, Kenya — September 23, 2025
Authorities in Kisumu County have apprehended two suspects linked to the theft of electricity infrastructure valued at around KSh 3 million, in an operation involving Kenya Power and local police.
The suspects, identified as Stephen Bala Magak and Frederick Odhiambo Owino, were arrested in the Manyatta Kona Maji area.
They are accused of receiving stolen electricity infrastructure from vandals and later reselling it to individuals making illegal power connections.
During the raid, Kenya Power security and law enforcement recovered a large haul of equipment, including:
Steady bars, cross arms, stay wires, insulators
High-tension (HT) and low-voltage (LV) conductors
Cables, bolts, danger plates, surge diverters and other fittings
Under the Energy Act 2019, tampering with electricity installations, vandalism, theft and damage of power infrastructure are punishable by fines up to KSh 5 million, imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both.
In recent cases, courts have handed down multi-year sentences and heavy fines for similar offences in Western Kenya.
Vandalism and illegal connections contribute to power disruptions, loss of revenue, safety hazards, and higher electricity costs for consumers.
If such operations persist, utility companies may need to increase checks, surveillance, and security spending, which may translate into higher tariffs.
The public’s cooperation is vital; Kenya Power has urged residents to report suspicious activity involving power infrastructure.