Motorists using the Machakos Kitui road were cautioned on Friday, March 17, over a new tactic by rogue mechanics to dupe them of their money.
According to reports, the mechanics target vehicles, especially those driven by ladies along the busy road.
After identifying their target, they stop the driver and lie to them that their car leaks oil and needs to be urgently fixed.
In seconds, the group of 20 men convinces the driver that their car is leaking by smearing oil on some parts of the car as well as on the section of the road behind the car.
When the driver is convinced, the mechanics directs the car to park off the road for the repairs to begin. The mechanics pretend to fix the leaking car and refill the tank.
Meanwhile, the mechanics use a jerrycan equivalent to one litre and charge Ksh400. They often use 20-50 jerrycans to 'fill' the car to capacity.
However, the mechanics do not refill the oil through the engine, but through the wheel, another red flag motorists were urged to be on the lookout for.
Afterwards, the mechanics charge for the oil used and the labour, and reportedly if the driver fails to pay, they are beaten and their car stoned.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti and police officers in the area were urged to intervene and protect the unsuspecting motorists plying the route.
This is among several tricks fraudsters use to con motorists on the road and steal their vehicles.
In 2020, police unmasked a group of carjackers who posed as customers presenting fake documentation like identification cards, and driving licenses.
Armed with the fake documents, they are granted access to a test drive, allowing them to drive off with the car. It was reported that they preferred hired vehicles because the documents allowed them to cross borders.
