Power line vandal arrested as detectives raid palatial home in Machakos
Detectives have taken action to halt a criminal gang responsible for damaging electricity equipment.
In a coordinated operation involving detectives and Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC) investigators, a significant breakthrough occurred in Mutonguni, Machakos County where they recovered five sacks of damaged aluminium wires.
During the operation, authorities apprehended Josphat Mutuku, who is also known as "Mrefu." Mutuku is suspected to be the leader of the gang targeting electricity installations.
"A raid was conducted at a palatial home in Mutonguni, Machakos County, where five sacks of vandalised aluminium wires were recovered," DCI said in a statement.
"Consequently, the owner of the house Josphat Mutuku alias mrefu, a notorious suspect believed to be the leader of an elaborate syndicate of vandals who target installations along the country’s electricity lines was arrested," the statement added.
KPLC has documented over 220 cases of vandalism between January and June this year. These incidents predominantly affected Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, and Nakuru Counties, resulting in power disruptions and substantial financial losses.
Last year, detectives uncovered a network of criminals, including former KPLC employees, who intentionally caused blackouts to profit from reconnecting power. They damaged transformers and posed as KPLC staff to charge residents for reconnection.
In response, the government banned scrap metal trading, which was linked to the vandalism of vital infrastructure. BY K24 NEWS

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