Two men charged with theft of electricity cables at Parliament

Two men, Francis Kuria Mwangi and Nicholas Mwangi, have been charged with stealing electricity cables at Parliament. 

In a daring vandalism attempt, the duo nearly cut off power at Parliament buildings. 

They pleaded guilty before magistrate Sharon Maroro of Kibera law courts, admitting they dug up a 66KV – a high voltage electricity cable worth Sh60,000 which is property of Kenya Power and Lighting Company on July 3, 2021.

The cable supplies electricity to the areas along Uhuru highway and Haile Selassie Avenue including vital state installations.

Francis and Nicholas were caught red-handed by Kenya power security officers on patrol. They were found digging out the cables using a mattock, three spades, and using a hacksaw to cut it.

The duo violated section 169 of the Energy Act as they admitted charges of vandalizing and theft of energy installations and infrastructure. 

They had dug up and removed 20 metres of the cable. They then cut it into three pieces and packed it in manila sacks. 

Francis and Nicholas pleaded for leniency claiming they have families totally dependent on them and they further sought a non-custodial sentence.

Their sentencing will be after the probation reports Maroro ordered are tabled before her on July 14.