Police shoot dead transformer vandal in Thika

A combined team of police officers and Kenya Power officers ambushed about 6 men who were vandalising the transformer. [Gitau Wanyoike, Standard]

Police officers from Makongeni Police Station in Thika have shot and killed a suspected robber caught vandalising a Kenya Power transformer at the Kang'oki dumpsite.

Several accomplices managed to flee, reportedly injured, after the police intercepted the group during a patrol operation.

According to Thika subcounty Police Commander Lawrence Muchangi, police officers were informed of a blackout within the area by officers from the Kenya Power Control room.

The combined team swung into action, where they managed to ambush about 6 men who were vandalising the transformer.

When challenged to stop, the men turned violent; one was fatally shot while others fled with gunshot wounds.

Kenya Power Chief Security Officer in-charge of North Eastern Region, Dominic Nduto, said over the last 6 months in Kiambu County, the company has lost about 25 transformers worth 25 million shillings.