Mombasa Man Jailed Three Years for Repeat Vandalism Offence

• May 10, 2025

A Mombasa court has sentenced a man to three years in prison or a fine of Ksh. 3 million for vandalizing public infrastructure along the Miritini–Kipevu Road. The ruling was made on Friday, following the suspect’s conviction for unlawfully removing parts of the road structure.

The accused, Said Juma Tsuma, was found guilty of taking out reinforcement bars from the road, an act that violates Section 24 of the Scrap Metal Act (Act No. 1 of 2015). His actions were considered not only illegal but also harmful to public safety and government property.

According to the prosecution, Tsuma’s arrest came after he was caught tampering with the metal components embedded in the road. These metal bars are vital for the road’s structural integrity, and their removal can lead to serious damage and endanger road users.

The presiding magistrate noted during sentencing that this was not Tsuma’s first offence. In 2023, he had been convicted for a similar crime and was sentenced to perform community service. However, despite that earlier warning, he went on to commit the same offence again.

The court viewed Tsuma’s repeated behaviour as an aggravating factor. The magistrate emphasized that the sentence needed to reflect the seriousness of vandalizing public infrastructure and the growing problem of scrap metal theft. As a result, the court opted for a custodial sentence rather than a more lenient punishment.

Under the Scrap Metal Act, offenders involved in illegal handling or removal of scrap materials face strict penalties. The law was established to curb widespread cases of vandalism targeting public utilities such as roads, railway lines, and power infrastructure.

This case serves as a reminder of the consequences individuals face when tampering with public property. Authorities continue to warn that repeat offenders will be met with harsher penalties, especially where past convictions have not deterred unlawful behaviour.