Transformer knocked down, power cables stolen: Shame of vandalism along Nairobi's Western Bypass

A night drive along the Western Bypass in Kiambu County unveils a striking absence of security lights on the 16.5-kilometer route. The journey from Gitaru to Ndenderu, and onward to Ruaka, heavily relies on headlights to navigate the darkness.

Despite being a relatively new road, less than two years old, the lack of proper lighting poses a notable challenge for motorists traversing this route.

During the day, it's easy to overlook the fact that the street lights are not operational. The truth becomes evident when encountering a street light on the roadside, likely damaged due to a road accident, caused by the prevailing darkness.

"Because of the darkness, you can easily ram into a motorist whose vehicle is not well illuminated or a rider who hasn't worn a reflector jacket. It's become too risky," Joseph Ngige, a motorist, told Citizen TV.

Of great concern to the residents is the destruction of the street lights by criminals vandalising road and power infrastructure.

A stroll around Murugu area near Wangige reveals dangling electric wires emerging from underground. Residents told Citizen TV that a transformer, designated with supplying power to street lights in the area, had been installed at the spot during the road's construction but was vandalised late last year by a gang that also made off with power transmission lines along the stretch.

Kenya Power has recorded seven cases of vandalism along the route with police confirming three arrests in December 2023.       

"There is a criminal gang that operates in the area, vandalising the electrical infrastructure. The security lights may look functional from afar but none of them are. They've all been vandalised," Wilson Kinyanjui, a resident, said.

"We can't conduct our businesses at night because the lack of security lights have encouraged theft and insecurity in the area. We are forced to close our shops early," Margaret Guthera, another resident, said.

With darkness, robbers have now taken advantage of the situation attacking residents walking back home from work as early as 7pm. Police have confirmed pursuing several cases of muggings in the area.

Kabete Police Commander Anthony Mbogo has confirmed that three people were arrested and convicted in December last year in connection to vandalism in the area.

One of the suspects Samuel Kahiga was sentenced to serve 10 years imprisonment while his co-accused, Bosco Kitenge and Ouma Oloo, were released on a Ksh.80,000 cash bail each. Police also managed to recover cables worth Ksh.105,000 during the operation.