Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested Japhet Kirimi, alias “Senator,” believed to be the mastermind behind extensive illegal electricity connections in Meru County. These connections powered 21 borehole pumps supplying water to miraa farms, leading to substantial losses for Kenya Power.

• Kenya Power estimates KShs. 90.7 million in revenue losses and 14 transformer failures costing KShs. 21 million due to these illegal activities.
• Japhet Kirimi was arrested in Maua town on Saturday, August 16, 2025, after previously being on the run.
• The illegal network supplied power to miraa farms in areas including Mpinda, Kabuitu, and Canyakine, posing electrocution risks and affecting legitimate power supply.