Are Kenyans their own enemies?why dismantle a public property?

August 18, 2014

Police in Webuye yesterday nabbed two suspects for allegedly stealing oil from a transformer in Webuye town.

The suspects Ramadhan Ali Kombo and Cyril Namisi Wambasi were arrested following a tip off from members of the public.

It’s claimed that the suspect’s plan to siphon the valuable liquid was squashed by a bodaboda rider who diverted their attention by claiming he wanted them to help him unload his load from the motorcycle.

“They are known transformer’s oils thieves in this town. In the past we our efforts to arrest them in action have been futile until today. We hope this will solve frequent power blackouts that we have been experiencing in Webuye,” said Roselyn Wasike a resident in Webuye town.

“The oil stolen from the transformer is being used by unscrupulous business people operating fast food. The oil might be used for frying chips and other food items, posing a serious health hazard to consumer, more so our children.”

She revealed that the transformer oil is also on high demand in the area saying motorists have embraced it as a fuel blender.

Confirming the incident, Webuye OCPD Willy Simba said the two were found in possession of 15 litres of transformer oil and with other unfilled jerricans.

He noted that the suspects will arraigned in court today and charged with robbery, being in possession of stolen property and damage of public property.

“The arrest is a good breakthrough to the increasing cases of transformer oil theft. We are carrying out investigations to determine if the vice involves other people in town. We are also investigating to find out what the oil is used for,” Simba said.

He cautioned motorists from using the oil and observed that it’s highly corrosive and can cause serious damage if not used as intended.

Although he said police have not received any reports that the transformer oil is being used in cooking, he warned residents to be prudent to avoid health problems.

“If it’s surely used for cooking, the petroleum oil contains chemicals that are harmful when ingested and every one should be careful where they eat and what they eat. The oil does not have a distinct smell and people can eat food prepared with it without suspecting anything,” he warned.

“Transformer vandalism is a serious crime yet people escape with lighter sentences. This has facilitated the rise of other crimes during blackouts,” he said.

….ENDS…