Security agencies in Makueni County have set a 30-day- target to search for unknown culprits, involved in vandalizing and stealing of electricity transformers especially in Mukaa, Nzaui, Makueni and Mbooni East Sub Counties.
This comes at a time when six transformers have been stolen in the recent past in Wote/Nziu Ward, Makueni Sub County including the one serving key offices including the Governor’s, County Commissioner’s and the Makueni County Assembly workplaces in Wote town.
Speaking to residents after reading the president’s speech during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Nziu Primary and Junior School, Makueni Sub County, County Commissioner (CC) Khalif Abdullahi said the multi-agency team that will conduct manhunt for the vandals will include National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), security agencies and Kenya Power Company (KPC) personnel.
“We have embarked on a mission to look for those stealing transformers in the 4 sub counties. This is a serious economic crime and it must come to an end,” lamented Abdullahi.
The CC disclosed that the multi-agency team had already mapped out the hotspots across the affected areas noting that he had held a meeting with the respective Deputy County Commissioners, the police and KPC staff with a view to ending the vice that was impacting negatively on the local economy.
On drug and substance abuse, Abdullahi said the government will take stern measures to tame brewing and consumption of illicit brews in the area.
In this regard, he therefore directed the County Liquor Licensing Committee, NACADA and other relevant agencies to inspect and close down bars that do not meet the legal requirements.
On his part, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. said that those involved in vandalism are knowledgeable people who are able to remove the oil and copper from transformers.
He challenged KPC to embrace technology and put CCTVs to avert a looming crisis if the trend is allowed to continue in the country.
While issuing a stern warning to the culprits, the governor noted that the individuals involved in the vice do not value development, alluding that those found culpable are only given meagre fine that encourages them to continue with the practice.
By Patrick Nyakundi
