Nine people alleged to be behind the nationwide power blackout on 11th January 2022 have been detained for eight days to allow police to complete investigations into terrorism activities.
David Kamau Mutitu, George Kipkoech Korir, Julius Karani Mwaniki, Geofery Kipkirui Kigen, Anthony Gathii Njaramba, Martin Musyoki Makasa, Joshua Wasaka Mang’eni, Raphael Ndolo Kimeu and Peter Musyoki Kithusya appeared before Kahawa Law Courts Magistrate Boaz Ombewa where police made an application to detain them for 21 days.
The investigating officer Chief Inspector Keith Robert told the court that they are investigating a case of sabotage and commission of terrorism.
“On 9th December 2021, a report was made at ICD police post by administration police officers who were manning the express way construction about vandalism of tower number seven, property of Kenya Power and Lighting Company,” the investigator told the court.
He further added that the said systematic sabotage and likely commission of sabotage and likely commission of terrorism act could have resorted into a calamity, mass death and massive destruction of property and unaccountable losses given the high voltage electric current that is conveyed by the said powerline.
The court heard that the same was also reported by KPLC LANsupport system and the management failed to take any action.
“Due to management failure and inaction which led to the collapse pf the four towers and power blackout, the provision is of essential and emergency services were disrupted and interfered with which constitute an act of terrorism,” the investigating officer added.
According to the officer, the respondents extended their vandalism to four Kiambere-Nairobi towers which collapsed occasioning a countrywide power breakout.
“This led to many Kenyans suffering unexpected loss to their businesses and interruptions of critical and crucial services rendered by various entities to the citizens of Kenya,” said CI Robert.
