Ex-Kenya Pipeline staffers, truck driver convicted of oil theft in Kisumu

Two former Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) employees and a truck driver were on Monday convicted for stealing petroleum products from KPC’s Kisumu terminal.

Reuben Aseneka, a former loading island operator; Joseph Maina, a truck driver; and Mutai Micah, a former ICT employee, were found guilty on all six counts they faced.

The trio was charged with conspiring to steal 13,852 litres of motor spirit premium (MSP) worth Ksh.2.4 million.

The oil belonging to various oil marketers was in KPC's custody and had been loaded onto a road tanker when it was stolen.

All three were convicted of conspiracy to commit a felony and theft of petroleum products.

Further, Aseneka and Mutai were found guilty of illegally tampering with the KPC fuel monitoring systems while Mutai and Aseneka were also convicted of unauthorised access to KPC’s computer systems.

Mbugua was additionally found guilty of illegal possession of petroleum products.

Kisumu Law Courts Chief Magistrate D.O. Onyango ordered that the three be remanded in custody until February 18 when they will be sentenced.