DCI probes Kenya Power over nationwide power outage
Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI) George Kinoti has announced probe into Kenya Power operations following Tuesday and yesterday’s intermittent power outages.
Kinoti said that his officers had taken interest in the collapse of four steel pylons in Nairobi Imara Daima that caused a nationwide blackout for hours.
“We cannot rule out anything until investigations establish the probable cause,” he said.
Kenya Power initially attributed the major power blackout on vandalism by scrap metal dealers which had weakened the heavy structures.
According to the utility company the vandals came from the nearby Mukuru kwa Njenga slums from where the incrementally cut away at the towers usually at night and late sold the steel pieces to scrap metal dealers.
“Our investigations indicate that the Kiambere-Embakasi power line collapsed due to vandalism of support bracings in four transmissions towers near Imara Daima Estate in Nairobi,” Kenya power highlighted.
The electricity distribution company said it is working with security agencies to prevent vandalism of its towers.
“We continue to enlist the support of security agencies, customers, public and other stakeholders to prevent similar incidents from occurring in future,” Kenya power said.
By Tuesday evening electricity had been restored in parts of Nairobi, West Kenya, Mt Kenya, North Rift, South Nyanza and Central Rift in exception of Garissa,Mwingi and Kitui.
