Chief in Migori arrested for theft of electricity cables

MIGORI, KENYA: Administration officers are supposed to prevent petty thefts in their jurisdictions.

But a chief in Migori County found himself on the wrong side this week after he was arrested for being in possession of stolen electricity conductors belonging to Kenya Power.

Area chief for Magungu Central, Zachary Odera, was arrested with two other suspects, Erick Opolo and Anne Nyokwaka. They were arraigned before Migori Law Court Magistrate, E.M Nyaga, on Wednesday where they pleaded not guilty to the theft charges.

A Kenya Power Chief Security Officer for South Nyanza region, Mr Peter Kithusia, said that the three were suspected of planning to construct illegal power lines based on the electrical equipment found in their possession.

The trio were released on a bond of Sh100,000. The case will be heard on 7th September, 2016.
Kenya power has been battling vandalism across the country which continues to cost the firm billions of shillings.

The power utility said in a statement it will continue to intensify efforts to curb electricity theft and vandalism of equipment.

"The Company is working closely with the Kenya Police and other national security agencies to curb the revenue losses incurred and to bring the offenders involved to justice," the firm said in a statement.