Kisii County was plunged into darkness early Tuesday morning after a gang attacked the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) power station in Kegati and vandalized key equipment.

The Kegati substation is the Kisii’s main power transmission station and the 3 a.m. attack caused a power outage across the entire county.

Confirming the incident, Kenya Power Regional Manager Dan Obiero said the early morning attack also left security guards injured.

“This is to notify you that last night criminals/vandals went to our main Kegati 33/11kv Substation and vandalized major equipment. This being our main biggest and main substation we have therefore lost power supply to the whole of Kisii County,” Kenya Power said in a message to customers.

The electricity company said its team was at the site but warned that “restoration of power will take a long time.”

“Our apologies customers and we ask for your patience during this sad and difficult moment,” added Kenya Power.