Kisii: Villagers build protective structure around transformer to keep away vandals

Residents of Masongo village in Kitutu Chache North, Kisii county, have gone a step ahead to protect the single electricity transformer in the area following increased cases of vandalims.

The area residents, who have endured persistent darj nights due to interruption of power supply, took it upon themselves to protect the transformer by building a metallic box around it.

The metallic box is firmly concealing the transformer, with a wire mesh wrapped around the transformer to keep away the vandals.

"We have suffered here. Every evening we are thrown into darkness due to vandalism. We decided to do what we can to protect this transformer," Samson Omari, a resident, said.

The transformer has been vandalised three times, leaving the village in darkness for days.

According to residents, the prevailing darkness often offers a perfect opportunity for thieves who steal chicken, crops, livestock and household goods.

"Hapa ndio wakora wametufikisha," area MP Japheth Nyakundi said on social media.

Vandalism of critical national infrastructure is a serious offense that could attract hefty penalties, but this has not deterred vandals from striking.