By Vincent Mabatuk
Nakuru, Kenya: Kenya Power has been losing an average of 10 transformers every month in Nakuru, which appears to be the work of a well organised syndicate, leaving thousands in the dark.
For three months, November to January, transformers worth over Sh10 million have been stolen, with KP describing the escalating theft and vandalism economic sabotage.
November last year recorded the highest number of vandalised transformers after 12 of them, valued at more than Sh3.8 million, were destroyed, followed by January with eight transformers, costing over Sh2.5 million, brought down. December vandalism cost KP more than Sh1.5 million.
KP Security Manager Central Rift region Caroline Chelimo said Rongai district had the highest number of transformers stolen followed by Naivasha.
Chelimo said the main components stolen from transformers are the copper windings and special oil, which are then sold on the black market.
Two weeks ago, Kelelwa residents in Mogotio district caught four people suspected to be behind massive transformer vandalism in Nakuru and Baringo counties. They were found moving copper coils to a waiting vehicle at night.
The suspects, who were in a group of nine, confessed to have been hired by an undisclosed KP employee to carry out the crime for a fee of Sh2,000 on delivery to a private home in Nakuru town.
