EPRA: Notorious Fuel Siphoning Den Busted In Kirinyaga
A multi-agency operation coordinated by Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) officials discovered a fuel siphoning den in Kirinyaga County.
EPRA stated on Sunday, February 23, 2025, that the operation discovered the location in the Karuku neighborhood of Makutano.
The well-coordinated operation, which included officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Energy Police Unit and the National Police Service (NPS), seized siphoning equipment at the scene.
However, EPRA observed that the site’s owner evaded the police search and vanished. They’ve since begun a manhunt to bring the owner to justice.
“As part of our surveillance to ensure safe petroleum handling and compliance, our ever-vigilant enforcement team swooped in and busted a fuel siphoning den at Karuku area, Makutano in Kirinyaga County,” EPRA’s statement read in part.
As part of our surveillance to ensure safe petroleum handling and compliance, our ever-vigilant enforcement team swooped in and busted a fuel siphoning den at Karuku area, Makutano in Kirinyaga County.
— Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (@EPRA_Ke) February 23, 2025
Our team impounded illegal siphoning equipment at the site, while in a… pic.twitter.com/Zta6htT0VN
“Our team impounded illegal siphoning equipment at the site, while in a classical case of ‘catch me if you can,’ the facility’s owner fled from the scene and is still on the run.”
“A multi-agency team involving our officers, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations – DCI, the Energy Police Unit and the National Police Service are pursuing the matter in a bid to arrest the culprit,” it added.
Following the discovery, EPRA warned tanker drivers against acquiring illegal items.
The regulatory authorities requested that they only obtain the product from licensed merchants.
Furthermore, the agency urged the public against purchasing dangerous products or partaking in the vice.
“We remind the public and petroleum tanker drivers that it is illegal to purchase petroleum products from unlicensed dealers. The safety of the public and all stakeholders remain our top priority,” EPRA insisted.
Fuel siphoning incidents, particularly those involving overturned fuel tankers, are a common and extremely deadly occurrence in the country.
ALSO READ:
- United States Sets Travel Restriction On 3 Separate Dozens Of Countries
- Kenyan Police Killed, Another Wounded And Their Rifles Stolen in Mandera
- ‘Stop Early Campaigns!’ – Raila Tells Politicians
- ‘My Work Is In The Senate!’ – Senator Sifuna Speaks On Missing Ruto’s Nairobi Tour
- Autopsy Reveals Body Injuries On Man Killed By Ruto Motorcade’s Hit-And-Run
People have lost their lives in the past while rushing to siphon fuel from overturned tankers.
On January 31, 2009, at least 111 people were murdered and hundreds injured in Molo on the major Nakuru-Eldoret highway while attempting to scoop and siphon the much-needed fuel.
Kenya’s deadliest tanker fire prompted the government to examine fuel transportation laws and instructions.
Despite the disaster, some people have continued to siphon fuel from upturned trucks, putting their lives in danger.
EPRA: Notorious Fuel Siphoning Den Busted In Kirinyaga
