The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced a breakthrough in the fight against vandalism of electricity infrastructure, following the arrest of a man linked to repeated cases that left several villages in Kakamega County without power.

In a statement shared on X on Sunday, April 12, 2026, the DCI detailed how the person of interest evaded arrest for months before finally being tracked down. The detectives explained that the person of interest had been involved in activities that caused widespread damage to electricity supply systems, affecting homes, businesses, and public services in the area.

“The long arm of the law has finally caught up with a notorious vandal whose appetite for electrical infrastructure has left many villages in Shianda, Kakamega County, in the dark,” the statement reads.

The detectives described that the person of interest had managed to evade capture for nearly two years, despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to track him down.

“The chickens have finally come home to roost for the person of interest, ending a game of hide-and-seek that has lasted nearly two years,” the statement reads.

The detectives further explained that the case dates back to an earlier operation where officers raided the person of interests home but failed to arrest him, even though they recovered key evidence linking him to the crimes.

“His woes began on August 2, 2024, when a well-coordinated operation by detectives attached to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) descended on his abode in Shianda village,” the statement reads.

The statement added that although the person of interest escaped during the raid, investigators were able to collect several items that pointed to his involvement in vandalism activities. Detectives stated that they recovered electrical equipment, a disassembled transformer and bundles of copper wire, the specific items recovered during the operation, which included key components of electrical infrastructure believed to have been stolen.

“While the suspect managed to slip through the dragnet like an eel, he left behind a treasure trove of incriminating items. During that raid, sleuths recovered: assorted electrical equipment, a dismantled transformer, bundles of copper windings and several containers of transformer oil,” the statement reads.

The agency explained that, after months on the run, the person of interest was eventually arrested and led officers back to his residence, where further investigation was carried out.

“After months of living on the edge, the law finally closed in on Bushuru. Upon his arrest, the suspect led officers back to his homestead for a forensic sweep,” the statement reads.

They noted that the second search uncovered more evidence suggesting the person of interest was deeply involved in a wider network dealing in stolen electrical materials.

“The search yielded a trove of incriminating evidence that suggests the suspect wasn’t just a petty thief, but a “pro” in the illicit trade,” the statement reads.

Further details show that investigators recovered KPLC meter cards, multiple SIM cards, and filled electricity application forms, including job cards that could link the person of interest to multiple operations and possibly other accomplices.

“Recovered items included assorted KPLC meter cards, multiple SIM cards, a filled electricity application form, and various job cards from different institutions, all bearing the suspect’s name,” the statement reads.

The DCI added that preliminary findings have already connected the suspect to several cases of transformer vandalism reported in the wider Malava area.

“Preliminary investigations have linked Bushuru to a wave of rampant transformer vandalism that has plagued Malava and its environs.” the statement reads.

“To the residents, his arrest is a breath of fresh air; to the DCI, he is a key piece of the puzzle in dismantling the syndicates that treat our national grid like a personal hardware store,” the statement reads.

The detectives confirmed that the person of interest is currently in custody as officers continue to build a strong case before presenting him in court.

“The suspect is currently cooling his heels at Kabras Police Station, undergoing processing as detectives prepare a watertight case for his date with the court,” the statement reads.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in partnership with KPLC, remains committed in protecting vital installations. Vandalism is a direct attack on our economy, and those found engaging in such a vice will face the full force of the law,” the statement reads.