More than a thousand residents of Bombeta and Iranda areas, Nyakoe Ward, Kitutu Chache South constituency are in darkness after thieves vandalized a transformer in the area.

Ward Representative, John Amisi said the raiders stole oil, some parts and left some littering on the ground on Friday night, stressing theft of transformers was rampant in the area.

He said the thieves vandalized the transformers at night when residents were asleep only to wake up in the morning to experience power blackouts.

“Residents using the power at night for business take it as a periodic black normal black out. The theft has affected business in the area,” Amisi told People Daily on phone.

The Member of the Kisii County Assembly noted the thieves stole wires, parts and oil which they sold to unsuspecting buyers.

He appealed to area residents to be vigilant and report to security officers people found selling the parts so that they can be arrested and prosecuted to deter others.

The MCA implored members of community policing and security officers to patrol areas installed with transformers to apprehend the suspects, who, he stated are vandalizing the equipment with impunity.

“Leaders cannot struggle to light up only the thieves to vandalize the transformers and leave residents confused,” Amisi said.

His remark comes a few days after Governor James Ongwae said thrives had stolen two hundred and fifty solar lights, batteries and other components across the county’s streets and markets.

The Governor said the county, jointly with partners installed four hundred lights but they were being vandalized at a high rate, leaving residents in darkness.

He said the County will engage Kenya Power and Lighting Company ( KPLC) to install lights in markets and streets to foster the county’s twenty four hour economy.

Ongwae, accompanied by MCAs; Charles Nyagoto ( Bogeka) Richard Atang’a ( Bogusero), Duke Nyarango ( Kitutu central) and nominated- Jane Justin, Agatha Mayora and Josephine Ombati spoke when he commissioned Bogeka Ward office.