A police officer attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Makadara was among three men arrested over the weekend after they were caught dismantling a key section of Nairobi’s electricity network near Nyayo Stadium.

The individuals, identified as Thomas Mutua, Joseph Kyalo, and Dennis Mbithi Nzioki , were part of a group of ten who had reportedly begun cutting through 66kV underground power cables that serve several major areas, including Upper Hill, South C, and Kenyatta National Hospital.

The cables are also essential to the Ragati and Nairobi West substations, which support not only residential estates but institutions like Mbagathi Hospital and KEMRI, as well as providing backup power to the city centre.

Seven others fled the scene as security officers moved in.

The three suspects were taken into custody and booked at Capitol Hill Police Station. Authorities recovered a portion of the damaged cable, measuring approximately five metres, along with several rudimentary tools: hoes, spades, and hacksaws.

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Commenting on the arrests, Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO, Dr (Eng) Joseph Siror, voiced concern over the growing threat posed by such criminal activity to the country’s electricity supply.

“Vandalism of power infrastructure has continued to pose a serious risk to public safety while disrupting electricity supply to homes and businesses," Siror stated.

"It is unfortunate that, as we work to supply reliable and safe electricity to our customers, a few people are involved in vandalism and other illegal activities that compromise the safety of the network."

Sirorr expressed the company's commitment to collaborate with the public and law enforcement agencies to deal with these illegalities while ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book.

He further appealed to the public to remain alert and report any unusual behaviour around electrical equipment.

Kenya Power advised members of the public to report any suspicious activity around electrical installations to the nearest police station, any of the company’s offices, or via USSD code *977#.