2 nabbed over Ksh112M illegal power syndicate
By Faith Lagat, August 17, 2025The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has dismantled a major illegal electricity connection syndicate in Igembe, arresting two individuals in a sting operation that exposed massive power theft.
The crackdown, carried out early Sunday morning, August 17, 2025, targeted the two, marking a crucial step in the fight against unauthorised power connections.
“A team of detectives attached to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has apprehended Japhet Kirimi, aka Senator, a wanted suspect linked to electricity theft, illegal electricity supply to unauthorised third parties, and damage to KPLC infrastructure in the Igembe North and South areas,” read the DCI statement.
Network exposed
According to DCI, a team of detectives working with the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) moved in on Mpinda village after receiving credible intelligence. The operation revealed an elaborate underground electricity supply network secretly linked to the KPLC grid.
Investigators established that the illegal system powered over 21 unmetered borehole pumps, which supplied water to miraa farms across Mpinda and neighbouring villages, including Kabuitu, Kanyakine, Muthucine, and Mangala.
Authorities reported that the clandestine connections had caused extensive damage to KPLC infrastructure. “The underground network led to the failure of approximately 14 transformers, forcing replacements valued at Ksh21 million,” the DCI noted.
Losses running into millions
The financial toll of the operation was even more staggering. The DCI revealed that over the past four years, revenue losses from the illegal supply of electricity to the boreholes were estimated at Ksh90.7 million. Combined with the cost of transformer replacements, the total loss amounts to more than Ksh112 million.
KPLC has in recent years grappled with power theft, particularly in rural regions where large-scale farming activities rely on borehole irrigation. The Igembe syndicate highlights the growing sophistication of such illegal schemes, which not only drain resources but also endanger public safety.
Persons of interest in custody
The two individuals of interest are currently in custody, undergoing processing ahead of their arraignment.
“The persons of interest are undergoing processing pending arraignment,” DCI Kenya confirmed, adding that investigations are ongoing to establish whether more players are involved in the network.
The agency further urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities linked to power theft. Authorities believe that dismantling such operations is vital in safeguarding national resources, ensuring fair billing for consumers, and protecting Kenya’s electricity infrastructure from collapse.