By East Africa Journal Reporter
The Ndhiwa Senior Principal Magistrate’s Court has sentenced two men to 10 years in prison each or a fine of KSh5 million apiece for vandalising electricity equipment and unlawfully handling power infrastructure.
David Ochieng Lang’o, the first accused, was arrested in July 2025 in a joint operation involving Kenya Power security officers and police from Migori Police Station. He was found with 10 jerricans containing oil suspected to have been siphoned from vandalised transformers. Although he pleaded not guilty, the court ruled that the evidence presented was sufficient to convict him.
The second accused, Godwin Omondi Oduogi, was arrested in April 2025 by Ndhiwa DCI officers after unlawfully disconnecting a customer. Joint investigations by Kenya Power and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) also found him in possession of a transformer fuse. He denied the charges but was similarly convicted.
In its judgement, the court noted a rise in vandalism and power outages in Ndhiwa Sub-County, stating that such crimes disrupt communities and businesses. The stiff sentences were issued to deter potential offenders and underscore the gravity of crimes targeting electricity infrastructure.
Kenya Power’s Security Services Manager, Major Geoffery Kigen (Rtd), welcomed the ruling, saying it affirms justice for customers and businesses affected by vandalism and illegal interference with the power network.
“This ruling reinforces our commitment to safeguarding the infrastructure that serves our people. We thank the Judiciary and law enforcement agencies for their continued support in ensuring justice in such cases,” said Kigen.
He added that the public has an important role to play.
“These convictions highlight the need for the public to report any suspicious activity around electricity installations. Vandalism harms livelihoods and compromises community safety,” he said.
Kenya Power said it will continue collaborating with security agencies to combat vandalism and electricity theft to protect the national grid and ensure reliable power supply.
