BY SAM ALFAN.
Seventeen people arrested by Flying Squad officers over allegations of possessing illegal petroleum products will be detained at Pangani police station awaiting completion of investigations.
Milimani Senior Resident Magistrate, Zainab Abdul allowed the police to continue holding Joseph Mwaura, Francis Wambui, Paul Kiriti, Philip Irungu, Nzioka Mavela, Paul Kamau and Michael Kinyanjui.
Others are John Mukono, Peter Muiru, Anthony Mwangi, Thomas Njau, Benson Wambua, David Kiriti, John Mwangi, Francis Ndirangu, James Kigo and Henry Mukono. They will be in custody for five days, as the police complete investigations over alleged siphoning of petroleum products.
The court heard that officers attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, who were investigating the matter, needed to whether the fuel, which was recovered during the arrest, was petrol, diesel or paraffin.
“Due to the nature of the exhibits, the court to issue and order for Kenya Pipeline Company Nairobi to keep the petroleum products on motor vehicle KAY 990 D, white colour and KAQ 518U canter yellow in colour as exhibits until investigations or case is heard and determined”, an application filed by the investigating officer stated.
15 SUSPECTS of Siphoning Petroleum were today arrested at Industrial Area in NRB by @DCI_Kenya Flying Squad Detectives. Four Pumping Machines & Two Trucks ferrying approximately 14,000 Ltrs of Petrol also Seized in the afternoon Operation. Suspects in custody pending arraignment. pic.twitter.com/mNXloPx5KZ
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) October 2, 2019
The investigating officer Corporal Elijah Mbaluka told the court that they are investigating a case of siphoning of petroleum products contrary to section 98 (b) of the petroleum Act of 2019.
The court heard that the suspects were arrested on Wednesday at 6pm by DCI officers and Energy Regulatory Commission. This was after conducting an operation at Industrial Area along Nandume road of Lunga Lunga roads within Makadara.
It is alleged that petroleum products approximately 21000 litres, four generators, assorted horse pipes and 23 empty drums of 200 litres each, were recoevered.
Mbaluka told the court during the operation which is ongoing will come up with discovery of more illegal petroleum yards within Industrial Area, which may have connection with some of the suspects.
He said according to information so far, indicate that the suspect petroleum products does not meet the relevant Kenya standards.
The officer added that the owner of the yard where petroleum products were recovered and the two owners of the two motor vehicles have not yet been arrested or availed themselves to assist in the investigations. The investigating officer said the owners disappeared after hearing that police raid.
He added that he has not recorded statements from key witnesses and yet to receive an analysis report from Intertek testing services limited, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority and other documentary exhibits that will form the basis of preferring criminal charges against the suspects.
