A daring attempt by two suspects to steal 6,000 litres of diesel worth Ksh1.2 million was thwarted by the quick thinking of a pump attendant in Kajiado County.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) exposed the scheme in a statement on Monday, March 24, detailing how the two suspects, who posed as businessmen, attempted to con a petrol station in Oloililai Sub-County, Bisil township.
The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, when the suspects arrived at the fuel station with an NPR tanker, commonly used for transporting diesel. Pretending to be legitimate clients, they claimed to have deposited Ksh1.2 million with the station’s owner and presented instructions to have 6,000 litres of diesel pumped into their vehicle.
“Without disputing the proof of payment provided, the attendant went ahead to initiate the process but excused himself briefly after pumping about 100 litres,” the DCI reported.
However, the attendant grew suspicious and decided to verify the payment with his employer. Upon confirming that no such transaction had taken place, he remained calm and discreetly alerted his colleagues. Together, they managed to restrain the suspects before alerting authorities.
According to the DCI, the two men—a 32-year-old and his 54-year-old accomplice—had traveled from Nairobi to Kajiado for the fraudulent operation. Investigators further revealed that the suspects are part of a larger syndicate targeting petrol stations in smaller towns, posing a growing security risk to such businesses.
The suspects are currently in police custody, with authorities pursuing other members of the syndicate as investigations continue.
