A daring attempt by two suspects to steal 6,000 litres of diesel worth Ksh1.2 million was foiled thanks to the quick thinking of one of the pump attendants.
The 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 Kajiado County.
The incident took place around 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, when the suspects arrived at the fuel station with an NPR tanker, which is typically used to transport diesel.
Posing as legitimate customers, the pair told the pump attendant that they had made a deposit of Ksh1.2 million to the station's owner and that there were instructions to have 6,000 litres of diesel deposited into the tanker.
According to the DCI, the pair acted with extreme confidence as they pretended to be in constant contact with the owner of Sajjy Petrol Station in Oloililai Sub-County, within Bisil township.
Their plan appeared to be working, with the attendant initially convinced the duo were genuine clients purchasing diesel in bulk for supplying to other service stations.
"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 narrated.
The attendant sensed something was amiss and, upon double-checking with his employer, confirmed that no payment of Ksh1.2 million had been made. Instead of flagging the fraud attempt immediately, he remained calm and signalled his colleagues, who proceeded to restrain the two suspects.
According to the DCI, the two suspects—a 32-year-old and his 54-year-old accomplice—had travelled to Kajiado from Nairobi for the heist.
Authorities also revealed that the duo is part of a larger syndicate targeting petrol stations in smaller towns, highlighting the security risks these establishments face.
Incidentally, another petrol station along Mandera Road in Wajir township nearly incurred losses on March 20 after two suspects in jungle uniforms overpowered a watchman and a pump attendant before stealing Ksh 30,000 in cash.
Their robbery attempt was, however, foiled as authorities caught up with them after the suspects were flagged through a distress call. A mallet, an Administration Police jungle jacket, and military attire were recovered after the arrest.
