Two men have been slapped with a Sh10 million cash bail after being accused of breaking into a telecommunication company's plant in Nairobi, vandalising it, and retaining stolen property worth over Sh81 million.
The suspects, Patrick Gitau and Tony Kirinya, were allegedly arrested on August 29 at the American Towers Corporation (ATC) site in Mowlem, Njiru Sub-County. ATC, a passive telecommunications company, builds towers and leases space to mobile network operators. The stolen modules had been installed to support Telkom Kenya.
The two are facing charges of tampering with a telecommunication plant, contrary to Section 32(a) of the Kenya Information and Communication Act.
They are accused of unlawfully interfering with an ATC site and allegedly stealing 12 Radio Remote Units (RRUs) and 24 RRU jumper cables valued at Sh81,285,480.
Alternatively, the suspects were charged with being in possession of stolen property, contrary to Section 322(1) as read with Section 322(2) of the Penal Code.
According to the charge sheet, "Jointly with others not before court, otherwise in the course of stealing dishonestly retained 12 RRU and 24 RRU jumper cables valued at Sh81,285,480, property of ATC having reason to believe it to be stolen goods."
Reports indicate that the suspects were spotted by a landlord on August 29 allegedly vandalising the site and removing equipment. The landlord raised the alarm, and the ATC security manager was alerted to the intrusion.
The accused were offered an alternative bond of Sh20 million. The case is scheduled for hearing on January 10, 2026.