Top police officers in Kisumu are on the spot over what residents claim is the failure to take action against fuel siphoning rackets.
The residents are demanding their transfer.
They said the officers have failed to take action against those siphoning fuel despite having raised concerns.
This comes even as Nyanza regional police commander Mannase Musyoka promised to take action against the officers involved.
“I will ensure the officers are transferred including the one in whose jurisdiction fuel siphoning is being undertaken. We cannot tolerate such criminal activities,” Musyoka said.
The police boss said he will deal firmly with those engaged in criminal activities.
He said they have launched an investigation over the racket. But a police officer who sought anonymity said cartels are working in collaboration with senior officers for protection in the fuel smuggling business.
“These people are dangerous and pay protection fees,” an officer said.
Those in the racket target vehicles which ferry fuel to Kisii, Migori, Nyamira, Homa Bay and Busia after being loaded at KPC.
Residents privy to siphoning operations said the cartels work with rogue officers.
A resident in Kogony in Kisumu West said fuel siphoning was a disaster waiting and putting many lives at risk.
“We have the registration of the vehicles, names of those involved in the racket,” he said.
The fuel smugglers target diesel, kerosene and petrol tankers.
“We have been doing this business for years,” one of the cartels who spoke on anonymity said.
However, Kisumu county police commander Alphonse Wambua said the matter was being investigated.
Wambua warned that the officers involved will individually be held responsible.