Kenya Believe It?

Massive illegal power syndicate uncovered in Africa

Here's a taste of the unexpected that our international issue (coming next month) can bring: Kenyan authorities recently dismantled a sophisticated illegal electricity syndicate operating in the Igembe region of Meru County in the east African country. The operation, led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in collaboration with Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), exposed a clandestine network that had been siphoning electricity for years.

Here are some key details from the developing story:

• Mastermind Arrested: Japhet Kirimi, alias Senator, and his accomplice Ibrahim Gituma were arrested for orchestrating the scheme.

• Underground Network: The illegal setup secretly tapped into the KPLC grid, powering over 21 unmetered borehole pumps used to irrigate miraa farms across villages like Mpinda, Kabuitu, Kanyakine, Muthucine, and Mangala.

• Infrastructure Damage: The unauthorized connections led to the failure of 14 transformers, costing KPLC KSh21 million in replacements.

• Revenue Losses: Over four years, the syndicate caused an estimated KSh90.7 million in lost electricity revenue, bringing the total financial damage to KSh112 million.

A technician at Kenya Power and Lighting Company.---KPLC phto

In a wider scope, this case highlights the growing challenge of power theft in Kenya, especially in rural areas where farming operations depend heavily on electricity. Beyond financial losses, such illegal connections pose serious safety risks—electrocution, blackouts, and infrastructure strain. The suspects are currently in custody and will face legal proceedings. Authorities are urging the public to report suspicious activities to help curb similar schemes.