Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have impounded two lorries carrying illegal LPG containers believed to be en route to the Meru Market in the latest crackdown.
In a collaborative effort with police officers from Meru Police Station, the DCI officers quelled the illegal transportation of the gas cylinders after a tip-off from members of the public.
During the operation, detectives impounded tens of illegal gas cylinders, including one which was leaking dangerously.
Four suspects have since been arrested at Gitimbene in Meru Town and are set to be arraigned in court on Monday, September 17.
Among the biggest red flags of the gas cylinders which were impounded is the fact that they lacked proper branding, an indication that they could have been refilled at rogue stations before being supplied to wholesalers and retailers.
Fake and illegally refilled LPG containers have become a growing concern in the country, with the central region being the most susceptible to the vice in recent times. As recently as in February 2025, an illegal gas station at a homestead in Ndagani, Chuka Igambangombe constituency was raided by police and EPRA officers.
At the time, police confirmed that the suspect had been operating the gas station for over a year, but fled the scene once he got wind that authorities were on his neck.
When his station was impounded, authorities recovered more than 400 illegal gas cylinders.
The key challenge in handling illegal gas cylinders is the danger they pose, especially because they are not professionally handled, increasing the risk of explosions and fires. One such incident occurred in February 2024 in Nairobi's Embakasi area, when a gas explosion involving a lorry carrying LPG containers resulted in three deaths and left hundreds injured.
As recently as on January 5, 2025, there was another explosion which left two people injured and rendered dozens homeless in the Kawangware area.
To curb illegal gas cylinder dealers, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has strict rules regarding the handling, refilling, and transportation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). These regulations are meant to ensure safety and prevent unauthorized gas refilling and transportation.
One of the authority's main requirements is the mandatory requirement of a licence for anyone transporting more than three filled LPG cylinders. Vehicles carrying LPG containers must also have at least two serviced dry powder fire extinguishers.
Further, EPRA only mandates authorized brand owners to refill their LPG containers - a regulation set in place to curb illegal LPG operations.
