Security agencies have arrested three Kenya Railways workers caught siphoning fuel from train wagons at Sultan Hamud Railways Station. The suspects, including a locomotive driver and two security guards, were apprehended red-handed following a public alert. They possessed 76 litres of stolen petrol valued at over KSh 12,000.
The incident occurred on Saturday, January 17, 2026, while an industrial train was stationary at Sultan Hamud Railways Station awaiting a new driver. The suspects took advantage to siphon petrol from dedicated fuel wagons. Port Police and Kenya Railways conducted a raid, seizing two 20-litre jerrycans and two 18-litre water dispenser bottles filled with the fuel.
According to a DCI statement, "Kenya Railways and Port Police have arrested three individuals implicated in the illegal act of siphoning fuel from train wagons at the Sultan Hamud Railways Station." It further noted, "As the train remained at the Sultan Hamud Railway Station, waiting for a new driver to take over, the three individuals were promptly escorted to Emali Railways Police Station, where they are undergoing processing pending arraignment."
The seized fuel's value stands at KSh 12,955.72, based on the current price of one litre of petrol at KSh 182.52, as reported by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). This theft highlights that railway material pilfering is not isolated; for instance, in June last year, police arrested a suspect transporting stolen Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) materials in Kibini, Kajiado County, including 61 railway sleepers and 60 rail bars.
The DCI has urged citizens to report similar incidents via the toll-free number 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp at 0709 570 000 to prevent such crimes.
