NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 21 – Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the vandalism and collapse of the 132kV double-circuit Naivasha-Juja transmission line.

The suspects, Peter Njuguna Richu and Gad Mwiruri Njine, were arrested in Mai Mahiu following an intelligence tip.

Police and Kenya Power personnel recovered tower bracing components, spanners, hacksaw blades and other tools believed to have been used in the vandalism.

During interrogation, the suspects admitted involvement and named other vandalism networks and buyers of stolen materials operating in Nairobi, Kiambu and neighbouring counties.

Kenya Power said the two are in custody pending arraignment as investigations continue to track down other members of the network.

The arrests come as Kenya Power continues to deal with vandalism of electricity infrastructure, which has resulted in power outages and increased repair and replacement costs.

On September 16, four suspects were also arrested in Kitui town over the alleged vandalism of transformers.

They were arrested by the Kenya Power security team in collaboration with DCI officers from Kitui, with one drum of copper winding and assorted tools, including spanners, a hacksaw, panga and hammer, recovered.