Laikipia Authorities Seize 8,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Petroleum Products from British Army Training Unit

Laikipia — Authorities in Laikipia County have confiscated over 8,000 litres of adulterated petroleum products, along with vehicle spare parts, all valued at over one million Kenyan shillings. The seized items are believed to have been illicitly obtained from a British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK) camp. Laikipia County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri disclosed the details during a press conference at Thingithu Estate, where the items were found.

According to a new release by Kenya News Agency, Kanyiri stated that they had observed Army vehicles near locations where illegal cartels operated. “What we have gathered is that some vehicles were seen driven to some points, they called them KCC, petroleum products are milked from them,” said Kanyiri. The commissioner further added that other products were suspected to be stolen from storage areas and subsequently sold.

Kanyiri revealed that the authorities were tipped off by local residents about the illicit activity. He urged the community to remain vigilant, as handling such flammable products poses a safety risk. Following the public tip-off, one primary suspect has been apprehended, and further investigations are underway to dismantle the syndicate involved in these illegal dealings.

“This matter will be investigated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) aimed at prosecuting the culprits,” the county commissioner confirmed. He cautioned that unauthorized handling of petroleum products is illegal and could lead to prosecution.

In addition to the seized petroleum products and vehicle parts, an illegal power connection was also discovered at the same premises. The duration for which the suspects had been operating this illegal siphoning activity from the army camp has not yet been determined.