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Police in Kitale on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, raided an illegal gas refilling facility and arrested the owner.

Addressing the press during the raid, the officers led by Kiminini OCPD John Onditi and deputy county commissioner Trophina Okonda noted that they were acting on a tip-off from members of the public who informed them that the illegal gas refilling site had been operating in the area.

When they arrived at the scene, the officers discovered a variety of gas cylinders of different sizes and types refilled and stored in the area.

Upon investigation, the officers found that the business was operating illegally and had not been licensed nor granted approval yet it was operating on a residential estate.

“Tumepata habari kwamba hapa kumeenezwa activity na tukataka kujua hasa ni mambo gani inaendelea, tulipokuja kama multi-agency team, tulikuta mambo ya gas inaendea hapa, vile mumeona mitungi ambaye iko na gas na ile empty, about 20 different types zinajazwa hapa na zinakua stored hapa kisha zinapelekwa kwa maduka na hakuna barua na hio ni makosa kwa sbabau tuliona mambo ilifanyika Nairobi inaeza fanika hapa kwa sababu this is a residential place na ikitokea hakuna ata fire fighting facilities here itakua ni hatari kubwa sana,” Onditi stated.

The officers arrested the owner of the plant and he is currently cooling his heels in custody pending arraignment in court.

Following his arrest, the officers warned residents against establishing illegal refilling stations without getting appropriate consent and approval from the relevant authorities. They also thanked the members of the public who reported to police.

The latest comes amid a nationwide crackdown on illegal gas refilling plants to ensure compliance.

In a joint press release by the Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki, the government affirmed that it will prioritize the demolition of all illegal sites through the Multi-Agency Rapid Results Initiatives.

The two ministries which will collaborate with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) said there will be an immediate rollout of government LPG growth that includes the development and implementation of a track and trace framework for LPG cylinders to improve traceability and accountability.

“To sustain compliance efforts, the government will prioritize demolition of all illegal sites through the Multi-Agency Rapid Results Initiatives and ensure that fresh risk assessment is undertaken for all LPG plants in the country with the view of closing all non-compliant sites,” the statement read in parts.

“Apply punitive administrative measures to all LPG operators found filling cylinders without the written authority of brand owners.”