Two persons of interest have been arrested over the vandalism and collapse of a transmission tower along the Naivasha–Juja 132kV double-circuit line.
Kenya Power in a statement on Monday, September 21, 2026, identified the two as Peter Njuguna Richu and Gad Mwiruri Njine, who were arrested in Mai Mahiu following an intelligence-led operation involving the utility company’s security team and police.
The arrests came after Transmission Tower No. 1052 was vandalised and subsequently collapsed, disrupting electricity infrastructure along the key transmission line.
Kenya Power said searches conducted at the suspects’ homes resulted in the recovery of several items linked to the alleged vandalism.
“Searches at their homes recovered tower bracing components, spanners, hacksaw blades and other vandalism tools,” the company said.
Suspects name alleged vandalism networks
According to Kenya Power, the two have admitted involvement in the vandalism and provided investigators with information that could lead to more arrests.
“The suspects have admitted involvement and named other vandalism networks and buyers of stolen materials operating in Nairobi, Kiambu and neighbouring counties,” Kenya Power said.
The information will assist investigators in tracing other individuals suspected of being involved in the theft, transportation and purchase of stolen electricity infrastructure.
Both persons of interest remain in police custody pending arraignment as investigations continue.
“Both are in custody pending arraignment, as investigations continue to track down the rest of the network,” the utility company said.
Kenya Power vows crackdown on vandals
Kenya Power welcomed the arrests, saying they demonstrate the importance of cooperation between its security teams, police and members of the public in protecting electricity infrastructure.
“We commend our Security Team and the police for this breakthrough, and reaffirm our commitment to protecting electricity infrastructure and prosecuting vandals,” the company said.
The utility also acknowledged members of the public who have provided information leading to the identification of suspects.
“We thank members of the public whose tips continue to help us track down those vandalising electricity infrastructure,” Kenya Power said.
The company urged residents living near power installations to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
“Report suspicious activity near electricity installations to the nearest police station or Kenya Power,” it added.
Public urged to report corruption
Kenya Power also called on customers to avoid participating in corrupt practices involving electricity infrastructure and related services.
“We call on our customers and the public to refuse to engage in corrupt practices and to report any malpractice through our confidential whistleblowing channel,” the company said.
The utility urged the public to play an active role in protecting power infrastructure, warning that vandalism can affect electricity supply and cause damage to critical installations.
“Protecting electricity infrastructure is a shared responsibility,” Kenya Power said.
