Gov’t Probing Economic Sabotage Claims After Electricity Towers Were Vandalised In Naivasha

NAKURU,Kenya, Jan, 19 – The vandalism of several electricity towers along the Olkaria-Kisumu 400kv line in Kayole estate in Naivasha now has the government probing possible economic sabotage allegations.

Collecting plates on six towers were damaged with authorities now believing suspects with a background in electrical engineering are to blame.

The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) believes that the incident could have caused major power black out in the country just days after the towers along the Kiambere-Embakassi high voltage power line collapsed resulting in a nationwide power outage.

Early detection however saw a national disaster averted at the Naivasha site. The damage reportedly could have destroyed homes in the area and possibly injured scores of residents or even worse, cause deaths.

Vandals are said to be targeting the the newly constructed Olkaria-Lessos-Kisumu power line that is yet to be officially launched.

“Six towers have been vandalized leaving them weak and if it was windy these towers would have clashed causing tens of death, destruction and major power loss to the country,” said PS for Energy Gordon Kihalangwa who further noted that, “We are working with the DCI officers to investigate the latest incident and we cannot rule out either economic sabotage or vandalism,”

The maintenance crew tasked with routine inspections realised the damage and commenced immediate restoration efforts.

“Works on the Kiambere-Embakassi high voltage is 75 percent done and we expect to restore power supply to all affected areas by Thursday,” he said.

“If it was windy the power lines could have collapsed but our officers have acted fast and it’s a matter of time before we nab those involved,” said KETRACO chairman Joe Mutambo.