Three men have been arrested at Sultan Hamud Railway Station in Makueni County for allegedly stealing fuel from stationary train wagons, in an incident authorities have described as economic sabotage.
The suspects were identified as locomotive driver Nicodemus Keya, security guard Mutunga Mwanzia, and Geoffrey Irungu. According to investigators, the trio was caught in the act after members of the public alerted security agencies about suspicious activity at the station.
Officers from Kenya Railways and the Port Police responded swiftly to the tip-off and conducted a raid at the scene. During the operation, officers recovered two 20-litre jerrycans and two 18-litre water dispenser bottles filled with stolen petrol.
Preliminary reports indicate that the theft occurred while the train was stationed at Sultan Hamud, awaiting a change of locomotive driver. The suspects were immediately taken into custody and escorted to Emali Railways Police Station for processing.
In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations confirmed the arrests and said the suspects are being held pending arraignment in court.
“The three individuals were arrested while siphoning fuel from train wagons at Sultan Hamud Railway Station and are currently undergoing processing ahead of arraignment,” the DCI said.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to tackling fuel theft and related crimes, noting that such acts undermine public infrastructure and disrupt transport operations. Investigators also praised members of the public for providing timely information that led to the arrests.
The DCI encouraged Kenyans to continue reporting criminal activities through official and anonymous channels, stressing that public cooperation remains critical in combating crime.
Kenya Railways has in the past raised concerns over vandalism, fuel pilferage, and cargo tampering along rail corridors, warning that such incidents reduce operational efficiency and weaken investor confidence in rail freight services.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are completed.
