The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and Kenya Power have issued a fresh warning against the theft of power-related equipment, including electricity meters after the latest arrest of a suspect.
In a statement on Sunday, October 18, DCI said it has intensified a crackdown in collaboration with Kenya Power to dismantle illicit trade in KPLC equipment and other criminal networks involved in the trade.
The warning followed the arrest of a suspected electricity metre thief in Nairobi's Kawangware area on Sunday.
According to the police, an intelligence-led operation in the area resulted in the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of 12 suspected stolen meters from his house.
DCI Headquarters, Nairobi
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DCI
"An intelligence-led operation in Kawangware has led to the arrest of a suspect behind an electricity meter theft syndicate, and the recovery of 12 suspected stolen electricity meters from his house," DCI stated.
Following the arrest, the suspect was taken into custody and is awaiting arraignment. The recovered meters have been secured as exhibits, with power officials assisting with the investigation.
The arrest forms part of a wider collaborative effort between Kenya Power and the police to pursue illegal electricity trade and the illegal sale of Kenya Power equipment.
"The DCI, in collaboration with KPLC, remains relentless in pursuing those behind electricity meter theft and the illicit trade in KPLC equipment, determined to dismantle the criminal networks involved and bring all those responsible to justice," DCI added.
Days earlier, two other suspects were arrested in the Lucky Summer area, with electricity meters being recovered.
In addition to the metres, several other Kenya Power assorted items suspected of being stolen were also recovered.
Cases of stolen equipment and infrastructure belonging to state corporations have continued to emerge, raising concerns over the security of public assets.
According to the Energy Act 2019, theft of power equipment can attract up to Ksh1 million in fines, imprisonment of up to one year or both.
Tampering with meters or breaking seals and other Kenya Power equipment without authority is also treated as an offence with a Ksh50,000 fine or imprisonment of two years or both.
A photo of someone inserting KPLC tokens on their gadgets.
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KPLC