By Andrew Kariuki

A suspected jet fuel theft operation has been stopped at Wilson Airport after detectives intercepted a vehicle allegedly transporting stolen fuel under the guise of routine airport activity.

Officers from the Kenya Airports Police Unit (KAPU) flagged down a white Mitsubishi Canter, registration KBM 647D, within the airport precincts after it aroused suspicion.

Upon inspection, the vehicle was found carrying four drums, each containing approximately 200 litres of jet fuel.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the fuel had been siphoned from an aircraft stationed at the NASD hangar.

The aircraft, operated by Airworks Aviation, was reportedly undergoing maintenance at the time, creating an opportunity for the alleged theft.

Authorities say the operation was halted before the suspects could exit the airport, effectively disrupting what investigators believe was a coordinated attempt to move the fuel undetected.

The alleged owner of the consignment, Gladys Ndumba Kanairo, was found without a valid gate pass.

Additionally, the vehicle lacked the required authorization from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to transport petroleum products.

Kanairo was arrested alongside the driver, Timothy Wambugu Maina and two other suspects, Kennedy Njoka Kinuthia and Abdulmalik Musinga.

The four are currently in custody undergoing processing ahead of their arraignment in court.

The impounded vehicle and the recovered fuel have been secured as exhibits as investigations continue.