KPLC Issues Statement On Mbeere North's Missing Transformers After Ol Kalou Links

KPLC Issues Statement On Mbeere North’s Missing Transformers After Ol Kalou Links

The Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has explained why it is removing transformers from Mbeere North.

This comes amid worries that the transformers were being transported to Ol-Kalou as a campaign tool ahead of the July 17 by-election.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 9, KPLC stated that the operation was part of routine maintenance aimed at enhancing energy supply reliability, and dismissed politically motivated charges.

According to the electricity company, transformers were taken solely for maintenance and repair.

Mbeere North residents demand return of removed transformers#NationVerticals pic.twitter.com/FKcSxI6WJT— Daily Nation (@NationAfrica) July 9, 2026

They described the procedure as routine practice used throughout the country whenever equipment develops technical flaws that cannot be repaired on-site.

“Kenya Power wishes to clarify that the transformers in Mbeere North were removed strictly for maintenance and repairs, just as is routinely done in other parts of the country,” a statement from the utility company said.

“Whenever transformers develop technical faults such as water ingress or other defects that cannot be rectified on site, they are taken to specialised workshops for repairs, testing and controlled heat drying to eliminate moisture and restore their integrity,” it added.

According to the company, 15 transformers were removed from the area between May and June 2026 for routine maintenance.

POSITION STATEMENT ON ROUTINE TRANSFORMER MAINTENANCE IN MBEERE NORTH pic.twitter.com/2Pn7ZfXPxw— The Kenya Power & Lighting Company Plc. (@KenyaPower) July 9, 2026

Of these, 14 have since been repaired and reinstalled, while one that was vandalised last week is scheduled to be replaced on Friday.

“Throughout such maintenance activities, the Company engages affected customers and keeps them informed,” KPLC said.

The company noted that customers are informed whenever such maintenance work is undertaken.

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The transformers in question were reportedly installed in 2025 during the Mbeere North by-election under the last-mile connectivity Stima Mashinani project, bringing light to the area that had for years lived without power.

MBEERE NORTH wanasema hakuna Stima almost Whole Constituency..
All transformers are in OLKARAO for Maintenance…

Blow to Ruto and Mbeere North MP Leo Wa Muthende as residents demand the return of transformers and other development projects that were donated by the government… pic.twitter.com/vMJ4E5z9Xy— Murage Ngunjiri (@jmuragengunjiri) July 9, 2026

However, residents expressed concerns that months later, darkness is returning to the area and have demanded to be told where the transformers were taken, with others claiming that the transformers were transferred to Ol-Kalou.

Following the reports and widespread frustration among locals, Mbeere North MP Leo Wamuthende dismissed claims that the exercise is politically motivated, saying that the programme was targeting ageing transformers to improve the reliability and stability of the supply of electricity.

“I have noted with concern the misleading propaganda being circulated by some individuals claiming that transformers in Mbeere North are being removed by the government. These claims are false, malicious, and intended to mislead the public,” Wamuthende stated in a statement on June 30.

The clarification comes amid intensified campaigns in Ol Kalou ahead of the polls scheduled for July 17.

The opposition has accused the government of using state resources, including development projects valued at more than Ksh10 billion launched in the area in recent times, to influence voters in favour of the government-backed candidate ahead of the by-election.

KPLC Issues Statement On Mbeere North’s Missing Transformers After Ol Kalou Links