By Betty Luke
A one-and-a-half-week’s power blackout in Isiolo’s Waso area in Bulapesa ward occasioned by vandalism of a transformer has left local residents and business people a disappointed lot.
Traders who spoke to The Press Point recounted losses from a dip in business and surge in theft cases, including break-ins into some of the shops with some saying they incurred losses in tens of thousands of shillings.
Ms Juliet Kamau, a food vendor, has in the last one week been forced to close as early as 6PM for fear of being attacked and robbed while going home.
“Evenings are usually peak hours but it has not been possible to operate (due to insecurity). I am forced to prepare little food which sometimes goes to waste,” she said.
Another victim, Kenneth Mugambi says he almost lost his motorbike after thieves broke into the compound where he has rented in the wee hours of the morning.
He says he was woken up by barking dogs and on peeping through the window, saw three masked men armed with crude weapons trying to push the motorbike.
“My wife shouted, scaring the thieves away. They jumped through the fence,” he said.
Ms Sarah Mukiri says she lost a Sh16, 000 phone to a criminal on Wednesday evening while on her way home from work. The criminal grabbed the phone while she was on a call and ran to a nearby bush.
Although the transformer was replaced on Sunday evening and power restored on Monday, some of the victims are frustrated as they will have to start their businesses from scratch.
“I have lost everything. I had invested everything I had into the business that I have, for years, known to be my only source of income,” shared Ms Alice Mukami, whose salon business was broken into.
A police source revealed that investigations were underway to arrest those behind the activities.
“We have received reports of some shops that were broken into but we urge other victims who have not reported to do so,” said an officer not authorized to speak to the media.
Although they can now breathe a sigh of relief, the residents have appealed to Kenya Power and Lighting Company to put in place measures that will ensure quick response in case of a similar incident, to avert further suffering.
