A court in Homa Bay has sentenced two men from Ndhiwa to 10 years in prison each, or a KSh 5 million fine, after they were found guilty of stealing transformer oil and electrical fuses. The ruling came after evidence showed that the pair had tampered with key parts of the Kenya Power infrastructure, an act that led to power disruptions in the area. The judgment highlights the growing concern over vandalism targeting electricity installations, which affects homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses that depend on reliable power.
During the hearing, the court stressed that the punishment was not only about the offence committed but also about preventing similar cases from arising across the country. Many rural areas in Homa Bay frequently suffer power outages linked to vandalism, forcing residents to live in darkness and businesses to incur losses. By issuing the tough sentence, the court aimed to send a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated.
Kenya Power welcomed the decision, noting that vandalism of transformers has become a major challenge nationwide. The company’s security services manager, Major Geoffrey Kigen (Rtd), encouraged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity around power posts, transformers, and electrical lines. He explained that even small acts of interference can cause large-scale blackouts and pose dangers such as fires, electrocution, or loss of expensive equipment.
Local residents expressed mixed feelings. Some felt the sentence was fair because vandalism affects the entire community, while others believed the fine was too high. However, most agreed that protecting electricity infrastructure is essential for development, especially in rural towns that depend on power for farming, trade, and communication.
The case also shows how authorities are trying to curb tampering with public utilities by holding offenders fully accountable. It reminds the public that such acts are criminal and costly. By working together—courts, police, Kenya Power, and citizens—communities can help reduce vandalism and ensure that essential services remain steady and safe for everyone.
By Tuko