Man sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for using transformer oil to cook potato chips
A Nyandarua based court has sentenced a man who was arrested for using transformer oil to cook potato chips to two year’s imprisonment or pay a fine of Sh200,000.
The suspect, Elijah Mwangi Muthoga who operates a hotel in Ol Kalou was arrested in December 2021 in possession of 11 litres of transformer oil which he had been using to cook potato chips and repackaged for sale as popcorn cooking oil.
His co-accused Zachary Mwangi Gitau who obtained the oil was sentenced to 10 years or pay a fine of Sh10million for vandalising a transformer contrary to section 169 (1) of the 2019 Energy Act.
Kenya Power through a statement welcomed the court’s ruling terming it as a boost to the company’s effort to fight transformer vandalism.
“This ruling is a big boost to the Company’s effort to fight transformer vandalism as the stiff penalties and jail terms will deter vandals,” Kenya Power stated.
Kenya Power noted that vandalism of transformers is one of the leading causes of power outages.
“In addition to undermining the quality and reliability of the electricity supply, transformer vandalism poses a risk of electrocution and exposes the Company to financial losses in lost sales and the cost of replacing the transformers,” it added.
