A Nairobi court has detained 17 people arrested allegedly arrested in possession of illegal petroleum products for five days to allow police to complete investigations.
Senior Resident Magistrate Zainab Abdul directed that Joseph Mwaura, Francis Wambui, Paul Kiriti, Philip Irungu, Nzioka Mavela, Paul Kamau, Michael Kinyanjui, John Mukono, Peter Muiru , Anthony Mwangi, Thomas Njau , Benson Wambua , David Kiriti , John Mwangi, Francis Ndirangu, James Kigo and Henry Mukono be detained at Pangani Police Station.
The investigators are seeking time to establish whether the fuel confiscated yesterday is petrol, diesel or paraffin.
The 17 were arrested yesterday by DCI officers from fly squad Unit Nairobi and Energy Regulatory Commission after conducting an operation at industrial area along Nandume road within Makadara in Nairobi with petroleum products approximately 21000 litres, Four generators, assorted horse pipes and 23 empty drums of 200 litres each.
In his affidavit, DCI officer corporal Elijah Mbaluka says that hey are investigating a case of siphoning of petroleum products.
“Due to the nature of the exhibits the court to issue and order KPC Nairobi to keep the petroleum products in two lorriea as exhibits until investigations or case is heard and determined.
Mbaluka says that the petroleum products do not meet the relevant Kenya standards.
The court heard that the owner of the yard where the petroleum products were recovered and the owners of the lorries have not yet been arrested or availed themselves to assist in the investigations as they have disappeared after hearing of the raid and efforts are underway for them to be arrested.
The case will be mentioned on Monday 7th.
