Matiang’i To Meet Security Chiefs Following Widespread Vandalism Of Key Public Installations

NAIROBI,Kenya, Jan, 27 – Security agencies nationwide are on high alert following weeks characterised by destruction of key public installations which the government now says is tantamount to domestic terrorism.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i is set to Thursday lead a meeting of top security chiefs including: County Commissioners, commanders of Critical Infrastructure Unit and police commanders from all the regions on the worrying trend.

Matiang’i is said to have instructed the security bosses to explain why there has been vandalism of public property, particularly electricity infrastructure.

They will also establish a database of metal scrap dealers in the various regions while establishing whether they are operating illegal businesses.

Recently, president Uhuru Kenyatta  announced a moratorium on scrap metal trade in the country as part of Government efforts to end the rising cases of vandalism of key public installations.

The President said the moratorium will stay in place until after the Government puts in place adequate measures to effectively police the sourcing, trade and export of scrap metal warning that those found culpable for vandalism of state infrastructure will be dealt with firmly.

While referring to recent vandalism of electricity transmission infrastructure, the Standard Gauge Railway and communication masts, President Kenyatta termed the acts as economic sabotage saying the Government won’t tolerate the destruction.

“The law is clear. These acts are nothing less than economic sabotage which fall under treasonable acts and the law is clear as to how we deal with treasonable acts. We will not allow you to destroy that which is for the growth and development of our country to benefit a few individual pockets,” President Kenyatta cautioned.

A fortnight ago, the country plunged into total darkness following the destruction of key electricity towers in Nairobi and Naivasha.

The Kiambere-Embakasi high voltage transmission power line collapsed plunging the country into darkness. The incident saw several Kenya power officials arraigned over the incident.

Days after that incident, the government launched a probe following vandalism of several electricity towers along the Olkaria-Kisumu 400kv line in Kayole estate in Naivasha.

Collecting plates on six towers were damaged along the critical line.

“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,”