The Kenya National Highways Authority and Kenya Power are being urged by the people of Wangige, Ndenderu, and Karura Kanyungu to restore street lighting to the busy road. The lights have been out for more than six months due to vandalism.
There are remarkably few security lights along the 16.5-kilometer Western Bypass in Kiambu County at night. Travelers from Gitaru to Ndenderu and then on to Ruaka must use headlights to navigate through the darkness.
Even though this road isn't ancient it was built less than two years ago the lack of adequate lighting presents a significant obstacle for drivers.
It is easy to forget that the street lights are out of commission during the day. The truth is revealed when you come across a street light by the side of the road that is probably broken from a collision because of the darkness.
Residents are significantly concerned about the destruction of street lights by criminals who vandalize road and power infrastructure.
Dangling electric wires emerge from underground when strolling through the Murugu area near Wangige. Locals told Citizen TV that a transformer that was supposed to power the street lights in the neighborhood had been placed there during the road's construction, but late last year, a gang vandalized it and stole power transmission lines that ran along the length of the road.
Along the route, Kenya Power has documented seven instances of vandalism, and police have confirmed three arrests in December 2023.
Robbers have now taken advantage of the darkness to attack residents as early as 7 p.m. as they make their way home from work. The local police have confirmed that they are investigating multiple mugging cases.
Anthony Mbogo, the commander of Kabete Police, has confirmed that three persons were detained and found guilty in December of last year for vandalism in the region.
Samuel Kahiga, one of the suspects, was given a 10-year prison term; Bosco Kitenge and Ouma Oloo, his co-accused, were freed after posting bail of Ksh. 80,000 each. During the operation, Ksh. The police also recovered 105,000 worth of cables.
