Police and Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) officials have uncovered a suspected major fuel-siphoning syndicate in Migadini, Changamwe, Mombasa County. The discovery was made after finding an illegal connection to the corporation’s main petroleum pipeline inside a condemned building. This has raised concerns about the security and surveillance of critical petroleum infrastructure. The syndicate is believed to have been operating for several months.
The illegal connection was discovered on Monday afternoon following a joint operation involving police officers, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) personnel, and KPC technical staff. One suspect reportedly escaped arrest during the operation, prompting police to launch a manhunt for those believed to be behind the illegal enterprise. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects had installed a long pipe running from the condemned building to a valve connected to the main KPC pipeline.
The sophisticated connection has raised concerns about the possibility of an organised network involving individuals with technical knowledge of the pipeline system. Excavators were deployed to the scene to dig up the surrounding area and establish how the illegal connection was made. Investigators are also expected to establish whether the suspects had constructed underground channels or concealed additional equipment to facilitate the illegal extraction and transportation of petroleum products.
Residents living near the condemned building are expected to assist investigators in establishing how the operation was conducted without attracting attention. The discovery has exposed possible weaknesses in the monitoring of the pipeline infrastructure, particularly in areas where abandoned buildings and other structures could provide cover for criminal activities. A police report recorded at Chaani Police Post under Occurrence Book number 31/02/11/2026, provided information about the suspected illegal connection.
During the operation, officers recovered several items believed to have been used in the illegal installation and siphoning of petroleum products. The recovered items included a metal clamp, steel crowbar, spade, pipe wrench, and pipes, alongside traces of fuel found at the scene. Police have since commenced investigations to establish the identities of the people behind the operation, how the connection was installed, and the possible quantities of petroleum products that may have been stolen.
The latest incident comes amid intensified efforts by KPC and security agencies to dismantle fuel theft networks targeting the corporation's extensive pipeline infrastructure. On March 18, 2025, KPC launched a nationwide campaign to remove illegal structures and encroachments along its pipeline wayleaves. The exercise covered 14 counties along the corporation's 1,342-kilometre pipeline network. The campaign aimed to protect communities and critical national infrastructure from the dangers posed by illegal developments and unauthorised connections.
However, the discovery in Migadini suggests that criminal networks may still be finding ways to exploit vulnerable sections of the pipeline system despite ongoing enforcement measures. Previous incidents involving underground fuel theft have been reported in Mlolongo, Koru in Muhoroni, and Kokotoni in Rabai, Kilifi County. Investigators are expected to establish whether the operation involved a wider network, including possible buyers, transporters, and storage facilities used to distribute stolen petroleum products.
Key points
- The syndicate is believed to have been operating for several months, exploiting weaknesses in the pipeline infrastructure.
- The discovery has exposed possible weaknesses in the monitoring of the pipeline infrastructure.
- KPC and security agencies are intensifying efforts to dismantle fuel theft networks targeting the corporation's pipeline infrastructure.
