One shot dead as police ambush gang vandalizing transformer in Thika

The incident occurred around 4 a.m. when a gang of seven attempted to vandalize the transformer, having already disconnected power in the area.

Thika police chief Lawrence Muchangi confirmed that the suspects confronted the officers, resulting in the shooting of one individual on the spot.

The remaining gang members fled the scene, reportedly sustaining gunshot wounds.

Muchangi urged local medical facilities to report any patients seeking treatment for gunshot injuries, indicating a collaborative effort to track the escaped suspects.

According to Dominic Thuo, the Chief Security Officer for Kenya Power in the North Eastern region, the power supplier has faced significant losses due to transformer thefts, with an estimated 25 units stolen in Kiambu County over the past six months, valued at approximately Ksh.25 million.

Nduto praised the police for their prompt response, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in reporting vandalism. He called on residents to remain vigilant and assist in curbing the rising tide of thefts targeting critical infrastructure.