Police in Mtwapa have recovered stolen Kenya Power equipment after a targeted search at a rented residence. Two suspects were arrested and placed in custody pending court appearance.
The National Police Service says it remains committed to deterring vandalism and theft that disrupt electricity supply and endangers public safety.
According to the statement released on Tuesday by the National Police Service (NPS), the recovery followed follow-up investigations into the theft of electrical devices and cables belonging to Kenya Power.
Officers from Mtwapa Police Station, Kilifi County acted on intelligence that led them to a residence in the Cabros–Tausi Hotel area, where the stolen items were believed to be hidden.
“Yesterday, during follow-up investigations into the theft of electrical devices and cables belonging to Kenya Power, officers from Mtwapa Police Station received intelligence that led them to a residence in the Cabros-Tausi Hotel area,” the police said in a statement.
A search of the premises uncovered assorted stolen electrical items concealed within the rented house, confirming suspicions that the location was being used to store vandalised power equipment.
The discovery led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be connected to the offence.
Police said the suspects were immediately taken into custody. “The duo were placed in custody pending arraignment in court,” the statement said, adding that the recovered items were secured as exhibits.
The recovery highlights ongoing concerns around the theft of power infrastructure, which has been a persistent challenge for Kenya Power and security agencies across the country.
Electrical cables, transformers and other components are often targeted for resale, leaving communities without electricity and exposing residents to safety risks.
The National Police Service stressed that such crimes have far-reaching consequences. “The National Police Service remains committed to deterring acts of vandalism and theft targeting power installations and equipment,” the statement said.
It added that these offences not only disrupt electricity supply but also endanger public safety and undermine essential services.
Mtwapa, a fast-growing town in Kilifi County, has experienced increased demand for electricity as residential and commercial developments expand.
Any disruption to power supply, police say, affects households, businesses and critical services, including healthcare facilities and security systems.
By acting on intelligence, officers were able to trace the stolen equipment before it could be sold or transported elsewhere.
Police did not disclose the exact nature or quantity of the recovered items but described them as assorted stolen electrical items, all belonging to Kenya Power.
The arrests are expected to support wider investigations into networks involved in vandalism and theft of power infrastructure.
While the suspects await arraignment, police say investigations are ongoing to determine whether additional individuals are linked to the crime.
The National Police Service has in recent months reiterated its resolve to work closely with utility companies, local communities and other agencies to curb infrastructure vandalism.
Intelligence-led operations, such as the one carried out in Mtwapa, are seen as key to identifying suspects and recovering stolen property.
Kenya Power has repeatedly warned that vandalism of electrical equipment causes prolonged outages and costly repairs, ultimately affecting consumers.
Police say protecting power installations is also a matter of public safety, as exposed cables and damaged equipment pose serious risks, including electrocution.
As the case moves to court, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and to share information that may help prevent similar crimes.
The NPS says its commitment to safeguarding essential services remains firm, with continued operations aimed at deterring offenders and ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply.
The recovery in Mtwapa, police say, sends a clear signal that theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure will be pursued and prosecuted, as efforts intensify to protect power installations across the country.
