Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has raised alarm over the dangers of illegal electricity connections following the arrest of two men linked to an underground power network in Meru County.

In a statement posted on its official X account on Sunday, August 17, 2025, KPLC urged Kenyans to reject illegal power hookups, warning that such practices are not only dangerous but also drain critical resources from the energy sector.

“Illegal electricity connections are dangerous and costly to us all,” the company stated. “They expose our communities to serious safety risks such as electrocution and fires, deny the electricity sector critical revenue for growth, and compromise the quality and reliability of power supply. Say NO to illegal connections!”

The power distributor encouraged members of the public to report cases of illegal connections, notifying the police, or visiting the nearest Kenya Power office.

The warning came just hours after detectives attached to KPLC, working with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), apprehended two men accused of running a widespread illegal power network in Meru County. The two were arrested after officers unearthed a sophisticated system of underground electricity connections.

Illegal network drains millions

According to DCI, the illegal network powered more than 21 borehole pumps that supplied water to miraa farms in Mpinda village and neighbouring areas, including Kabuitu, Kanyakine, Muthucine, and Mangala. None of the boreholes were metered, meaning the users benefitted from power without paying for it.

Authorities revealed that the illegal operation had taken a heavy toll on infrastructure, causing the failure of 14 transformers in the region. The replacements alone cost Kenya Power an estimated Ksh21 million.

Furthermore, the loss of revenue due to the illegal supply over the past four years has been pegged at Ksh90.7 million.

The two men remain in police custody as they await arraignment in court.

KPLC has in recent months intensified its crackdown on illegal power connections across the country, warning that such operations put lives at risk and slow down efforts to improve electricity reliability.