Two men beaten up, arrested for vandalising Kenya Power equipment worth over Ksh.40K

Two people arrested for stealing and destroying Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) equipment have been arraigned at the Kerugoya Law Courts.

The pair, Kelvin Muthie Githinji and Hezekiah Karimi, had been severely beaten by the angry residents on Friday after they were caught red-handed stealing tokens and meters before Kerugoya police officers rescued them.

Appearing before Kerugoya Principal Magistrate Claire Wanyama, the suspects pleaded not guilty.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) sought orders to deny them bond, stating that their lives might be in danger as residents were angry after their tokens were stolen.

They were denied bond until May 23, 2025, when their case will be mentioned.

According to Kenya Power, Kirinyaga Branch Manager Eng. Ruto Kipkorir, the two were stealing and disconnecting token meters at Kianjogu village in Ndimi location, Kirinyaga Central Constituency.

"They had stolen token meters worth over Ksh.40,000 before they were arrested by the residents," Eng. Ruto said.

Mr. Ruto warned against stealing KPLC tokens and urged customers to report any instances of theft or corruption related to KPLC tokens to the Kerugoya or Mwea offices.

"We are encouraging our customers to contact KPLC customer care for assistance with any issues," Ruto said.