Migori town residents have accused the local Kenya Power officers for tolerating cartel behind rampant theft of electricity meters.

Migori County Kenya Power manager George Nyambare tried to roughed up through security guards journalists who went to interview him.

Scribes had their photos, videos and audio deleted by security guards after the interview, but Nyambare had admitted 600 of stolen meters had been recovered. 

The residents said no action had been taken despite them reporting the incidents to police and Kenya Power.

“Some Kenya Power employees could be colluding with thieves to steal the gadgets leaving us in darkness,” Agnes Akinyi, one of the victims whose four meters were stolen from her rental house at Namba Junction in Suna West  said.

“My three meters are yet to be recovered and it is a major concern for most of us. Surprisingly and through my investigation I realised my meters were installed to other people who are using them as I remain in darkness,” said Akinyi.

She added: “Getting a meter replacement from Kenya Power is another challenge. You are required to pay ksh 4,000 for one meter and now I have four meters that have been stolen. It will force me to spend ksh 16, 000 for replacement.” 

Kiyai Natras, a landlord at Chamkombe estate in Migori town said his tenants woke up one day in the morning and found all six meters stolen overnight.

“I have been asked to paying Sh24,000 for all six meters to be replaced. I feel I have been robbed while the meters can be traced,” said Kiyai.

A senior police officer attached to Migori police said they receive report of at least a stolen meters a day.

Nyambare admitted the claims and said the firm has managed to recover 600 stolen meters.

“We are not watchmen of the customers. They are supposed to take care of their meters and once stolen they should replace by paying ksh 4,000 for one meter,” said Nyambare.