Kenya Power has raised the alarm over the vandalism of transformers in Murang'a. The institution said it has lost eight transformers in a week.

Customer relations officer Jane Mwangi said the transformers have been stolen from one locality by a gang that seems to have found a ready market for oil and scrap metal.

Speaking at a public baraza in Mukuyu, Mwangi said the theft is a setback in the company efforts to supply power to all regions adding that it is going to cost them close to Sh4 million to replace the transformers.

One first transformer was stolen on November 24 at Maragi, two on November 25 at Kambwe and five on November 27 at Koingoini and Kandundu.

"We were shocked to lose the transformers in such a short span of time," said Mwangi. She said the police are carrying out investigations with the the help of the company's security officers.

Mwangi appealed to the residents to report any suspicious activities to the police. "A transformer is the property of the government as Kenya Power is a government parastatal and such equipment are bought using the taxes that you pay," she told the residents.

Mwangi cautioned the residents to be on look-out of people who masquerade as KP officials and ask them to identify themselves to curb theft incidents.

She urged traders to install security lights in their premises. "During blackouts people should look at transformers as thieves steal during such times," Mwangi said.