The residents of Kiawambui and Kongoini areas in Mukuyu location in Murang’a County are counting losses as the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) transformer serving them was vandalized by unknown people on Wednesday.
They have called on KPLC to move swiftly and install a new power transformer to prevent them from making further losses especially emanating from perishable food stuff and cushion welders, hair saloon operators and other power users from job losses.
Anthony Njoroge one of the business men in the area lamented that he was facing an eminent loss of his chicks that rely on the power heat for growth
“As a chicken farmer, I may lose all my chicken as they eat day and night and rely on electricity for warmth” he said
“We cannot afford to use a generator since fuel is too expensive” he added
Another resident, Martha Wairimu, while condemning the vandalism noted that their households were suffering the most as they had to discard all the refrigerated foods despite the high cost of living and cost of essential commodities.
“We urge the power company to act fast before we lose everything as even businesses that rely on power are on standstill” she said
When contacted, the Kenya power and Lighting Company security officer Murang’a County Aaron Chogera confirmed that the transformer serving Kongoini area had indeed been vandalized and called on members of the public who may have any information on the vandals to report to the police or to KPLC.
He also assured the residents that the power company was doing its best to replace the transformer and ensure it is restored in those areas as soon as possible.
Chogera also sent a strong message of warning to people vandalizing transformers and said the law will take its course on anyone found guilty of that offense.
By Florence Kinyua
