A gang of unknown number of thieves on Tuesday night broke into Metumi power plant being constructed by KTDA in upper parts of Mathioya Sub County, Murang’a County and stole some recently imported equipment worth over Sh.20million.
Confirming the incident, Mathioya Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Jamleck Mbuba said the gang cut door and window grills to access the plant.
He said during the incident, some watchmen were absent, adding those who were on duty were kidnapped and later dumped in parts in Thika.
Mbuba added that the stolen equipment was installed in the establishment recently, adding preliminary investigations indicate they were ferried by a waiting lorry.
“We suspect this was an inside job. The area where the plant is located is quite remote and accessing it is not easy. The thieves seem to have had a lot of time to cut door grills, and exercise which needed a lot of time,” added the DCC.
Mbuba added that on Wednesday a lorry suspected to ferry the equipment was involved in accident along Kangema- Iyego road but only electric wires were found in the vehicle which plunged into a ditch.
“Members of the public informed us about a lorry which plunged into a ditch and by the time we reached at the scene, we only found some rolls of electric wires which contractors working at the plant identified as among the stolen equipment,” Mbuba told KNA.
He noted that the two watchmen who were dumped in Thika have been arrested to help in investigations.
“The heist is a big loss to KTDA as it will delay completion of the plant which is expected to provide electric power to several tea factories which currently rely on wood to dry Green leaf,” added the DCC.
The power plant is expected to generate 5.6 megawatts which will be supplied to four tea factories, including; Githambo, Kiru, Gatunguru and Kanyenyaini.
The electric power from the plant expected to cost sh. 2.2 billion will help the factories stop using firewood and save the environment and some money.
The companies have been paying in total sh. 44 million to Kenya Power Company annually for electricity consumed annually not counting other costs incurred in purchasing firewood.
By Bernard Munyao
