MERU: Detectives attached to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) have arrested Japhet Kirimi, alias Senator, a wanted suspect accused of running a massive illegal electricity network in Igembe North and South, Meru County.

Acting on intelligence, the team raided Mpinda village, where they uncovered a clandestine underground grid allegedly masterminded by Kirimi and his accomplice, Ibrahim Gituma.

The network was illegally connected to the national power supply and used to operate more than 21 unmetered borehole pumps, providing water to miraa farms in Mpinda and neighbouring areas including Kabuitu, Kanyakine, Muthucine, and Mangala.

According to KPLC, the illegal connections have caused the failure of 14 transformers, forcing replacements worth Sh21 million.

In addition, the utility has lost an estimated Sh90.7 million in revenue over the last four years due to the unlawful power supply.

Both suspects are in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.