Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) have embarked on a massive countrywide crackdown on joints that carry out illegal adulteration of fuel.
In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, ERC confirmed that the operation had been heightened and would transverse across various towns in the country.
"The operation which began in Uasin Gishu and extended to other regions including, Kiambu, Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Karatina, Kakamega and recently Salgaa, Nakuru county has seen the pulling down of more than 50 illegal dens as well as arrests of over 100 people," the commission stated.
The suspects arrested will be charged with various offences including constructing and operating a petroleum storage facility without a permit contrary to Section 80 and 90 of the Energy Act, 2006.
The accused will also face charges of being in possession of adulterated motor fuels and export-bound motor fuels contrary to Section 95 of the Act.
ERC thanked the public who had been forthcoming with information on such illegal structures as they seek to rid the country of unscrupulous dealers in the oil market.
"The Commission also wishes to urge members of the public to continue being vigilant and to immediately report any instances of malpractice or suspected fuel adulteration activities to the Commission through info@erc.go.ke or hotline numbers 0708 444 000 or 0709 336 000," the statement read in part.
An earlier report by the Nation revealed that there was a cartel which ran a fuel adulteration depot in Industrial Area for distribution to towns in the country.
"The cartel receives fuel in huge quantities, mixes diesel with kerosene and Jet A1 then distributes it across the country and beyond the borders," the piece titled How fuel adulteration cartels trigger price increases read in part.
The publication reported that the fuel adulteration dens are located around Nanyuki Road where they siphon fuel from Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) tanks.
