The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has welcomed the sentencing of two suspects found guilty of vandalising Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) transformers and stealing energy equipment.
Amos Swahili and Ernest Kemboi had been terrorising parts of the North Rift and Western regions with repeated attacks on transformers, leaving communities in darkness.
Detectives from KPLC tracked them down in Elgeyo Marakwet on July 15, 2025, leading to their arrest and subsequent arraignment.
On February 23, 2026, the Butali Law Court found both men guilty, ruling that the case had been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Each was sentenced to eleven years in prison.
The court emphasized the seriousness of their crimes, noting the disruption caused to households and businesses that depend on reliable electricity.
While serving their sentence, Swahili and Kemboi will face additional cases related to similar offences pending in Iten Law Courts and Eldoret Law Courts.
The DCI described the sentencing as a major step in curbing vandalism of critical national infrastructure, warning that perpetrators of such crimes would face strict legal action.
“This judgment sends a clear message that attacks on essential services will not be tolerated,” a DCI official stated.
Kenya Power welcomed the ruling, noting that transformer vandalism not only threatens power supply but also endangers lives and increases costs for repairs and replacements.
Authorities urged the public to report suspicious activities around power installations to prevent future disruptions.
The case underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement and KPLC to safeguard the country’s energy infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted power supply to communities.