Police officers from Ntulele Police Station are holding onto two persons of interest linked to the vandalism of a public bridge under construction.
In a statement on Friday, January 17, 2025, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) reported that the individuals were apprehended following a tip-off from the public regarding the vandalism of a bridge running over the Ewaso Nyiro River.
According to DCI’s report, the duo was apprehended after the officers swiftly responded to the said tip-off and tracked a lorry which was being used to transport metal beams.
They intercepted the lorry at Nairegie Enkare Junction where upon searching it seized the metal beams.
“Police officers from Ntulele Police Station have apprehended two suspects involved in the vandalism of a public bridge under construction over the Ewaso Nyiro River. Multiple structural metal beams were seized during the operation,” part of DCI’s statement read.
“Following tips from members of the public about individuals vandalizing the said bridge and using a white lorry with registration no. KBY 213H to transport the stolen metal bars, officers acted swiftly. They tracked and intercepted the lorry at the Nairegie Enkare Junction. The driver, Peter Mwangi, along with his accomplice, Joyce Ndungu Mtua, were arrested, and together with the lorry were escorted to Ntulele Police Station for processing and immediate legal action,” it added.
Warning to vandals
Following the successful operation, DCI sent a warning to vandals. Detectives made it clear that vandalism of critical infrastructure would not be tolerated.
DCI unit led by its Director Ibrahim Amin announced that those destroying critical infrastructure would face severe consequences.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations firmly warns the public that vandalizing critical infrastructure will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law,” DCI’s statement added.
Scrap metal business
In January 2022, former President Uhuru Kenyatta imposed an indefinite ban on the scrap metal trade. This decision was made in response to a significant increase in vandalism of critical infrastructure across the country, including power lines, railway lines, and communication towers.
He argued that the embargo was meant to curb the theft and illegal trade of scrap metal, which was often sourced from vandalized assets.
However, four months later, the former president lifted the ban paving the way for scrap metal business resumption. This followed calls by various traders and associations involved in the sector who decried making losses due to the order.
Following the lifting of the ban, the government directed the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) to help protect various projects which were under threat from vandals.
