Police officers in Kisumu East sub-county have detained five individuals suspected of being behind the vandalism and theft of electricity cables in the area. The arrests followed a series of complaints from residents who have recently experienced frequent power outages linked to the illegal activities.
The suspects were apprehended during a police operation in the Kager Aredo area within Gita, after officers received a tip-off from members of the public. Acting swiftly, law enforcement personnel conducted a coordinated raid that led to the discovery of the suspects’ hideout. On spotting the officers, the group attempted to flee on foot, but the police, who had surrounded the area, quickly subdued and arrested them.
During the operation, officers recovered approximately 600 meters of vandalized electricity cables believed to have been stolen from Kenya Power’s network. The recovery is part of ongoing efforts to curb the rising cases of power infrastructure vandalism that have affected electricity distribution and caused losses to both the utility company and consumers.
The five suspects, identified as Stephen Okok Ngeso (30), Kevin Omondi (29), Fredrick Onyango Mboo (30), Joseph Otieno Juma (34), and Ayub Ochieng Odhiambo (20), were found hiding in a makeshift structure where the stolen cables were allegedly stored. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspects are part of a larger syndicate involved in the theft and sale of electric cables and other metallic infrastructure components.
Police have since launched further investigations to trace other individuals linked to the illegal trade. Authorities suspect that the cables were intended for sale to scrap metal dealers, a practice that continues to pose challenges despite the existence of strict regulations governing the scrap metal industry.
Residents of the affected areas have applauded the police for their swift action and called for stricter penalties against those involved in acts of vandalism that compromise public safety and essential services.
The suspects are currently being held at Gita Police Station, awaiting arraignment in court once investigations are complete. Police have reiterated their commitment to working with members of the public to protect critical infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply across Kisumu and the wider region.
