Two suspected conmen allegedly responsible for massive construction of illegal electricity lines within Kisumu and its environs have been arrested and charged before the Kisumu High Court, boosting Kenya Power’s efforts to clamp down on illegal connections.
Zacheus Okoth Ogonji and Robert Ouko Magati were arrested at the Kombewa area within Kisumu County following a heavy police crackdown and tip from the public.
They appeared before Kisumu High Court Wednesday morning where they were charged with stealing, obtaining money by false pretense and construction of illegal lines and were released on a bond of Sh100,000 each.
The arrest comes shortly after two other suspects responsible for vandalising ten transformers in Ravine area of Baringo County were sized in an operation carried out by Kenya Power officials in Nakuru County mid last month.
In Vihiga County, Faustine Otiende was arrested at Luanda for unlawful supply of electrical energy and was booked at Luanda Police Station.
According to Kenya Power’s Acting Manager for Security Services Major Geoffrey Kigen (Rtd), criminals have taken advantage of the ongoing national electrification programmes to lure unsuspecting Kenyans into the illegal deals.
“Criminals have taken advantage of the massive electrification exercise being implemented under the last mile connectivity project to cheat members of the public. We urge our potential customers be wary of such persons, cease making any payments to individuals and instead carry out all transactions related to power connection at Kenya Power offices,” said Kigen.
“Illegal power connections overload the power distribution network resulting in outages and thus undermining its ability to supply electrical energy to customers in a safe and reliable manner," he added.