Suspect in power grid vandalism spree sentenced to six years in jail

George Odiyo pleaded guilty to four charges, including vandalism of energy infrastructure, stealing energy equipment, handling stolen energy equipment, and carrying out electrical installation work without authority. 

Kenya Power, in a statement, said that he was handed a 3-year jail term for each count with an option of a Ksh.5 million fine for the first two counts of vandalism of energy infrastructure and stealing energy equipment.

"On the third count, where he was accused of handling stolen energy equipment, he was sentenced to five months in prison with an option of Ksh.100,000 fine," read the statement in part.

"On the fourth count, Mr. Odiyo was accused of carrying out electrical installation work without authority. For this, he was sentenced to five months behind bars with an option of Ksh.100,000 fine."

He was arraigned before Kitale Law Courts on April 1, 2025.

Kenya Power’s Security Services Manager Maj. Geoffrey Kigen (Rtd.) lauded the court's decision, adding that stiff penalties should be imposed on vandalism of energy infrastructure.

"We are working closely with the relevant law enforcement agencies to weed out all illegal activities on our network. This ruling is a major boost toward our effort to curb vandalism and theft of electricity through illegal connections," he said.

Kenya Power said that this comes amid frequent targeted destruction of power equipment, leading to widespread power outages and unnecessary financial expenses.

The power company urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around energy installations to the police or at any of its nearest offices.