NAIROBI, Kenya, July 9 – A man alleged to be behind illegal electricity connections in Nairobi’s Mukuru informal settlements has been arraigned in court on charges related to transformer theft and handling stolen electricity equipment.
Lukas Nyangau Minyonga appeared before the Makadara Law Courts alongside three co-accused, who were first charged on July 1.
The four face charges of transformer theft, illegal electricity connections and handling stolen electricity distribution equipment belonging to Kenya Power.
Nyangau was released on a Sh1.5 million bond, with the case set for mention on August 4.
According to Kenya Power, the suspect was arrested during a surveillance operation along Mombasa Road on July 7 and is under investigation over alleged involvement in illegal electricity connections and transformer thefts in parts of Nairobi, including Mukuru Kwa Reuben and Mukuru Kwa Njenga.
The utility also linked him to the recent assault of one of its employees during an enforcement operation.Kenya Power Managing Director Joseph Siror said illegal power connections and vandalism continue to undermine electricity supply and pose serious safety risks.
He urged members of the public to report suspected electricity theft, adding that the company is working with security agencies, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary to curb the vice.
