Gachagua Alleges Seized Gas Cylinders Were Distributed During Ol Kalou By-Election

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that gas cylinders seized from small-scale LPG traders during government enforcement raids were later distributed to residents during the Ol Kalou by-election.

Speaking during a press briefing at his Karen residence on Wednesday, Gachagua claimed that more than 200,000 gas cylinders were confiscated from small-scale LPG retailers in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado and Machakos between June and October 2025.

He alleged that the seizures were carried out by a police team led by Robert Linyiru Gituma, whom he identified as an Officer Commanding Station (OCS), together with 25 other officers. Gachagua claimed the operation was conducted outside established enforcement procedures and under the private supervision of Clive Mutiso.

According to Gachagua, the team received support from Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. He alleged that the cylinders were transported using private vehicles and lorries without proper inventories being prepared or entries made in police Occurrence Books.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and the individuals named by Gachagua have not, in the information provided, responded to the claims.

Claims of Diversion to Private LPG Businesses

Gachagua further alleged that some of the seized cylinders were subsequently diverted to private and emerging LPG businesses allegedly linked to politicians and state officials.

He named senior officials at the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), including Director General Joseph Oketch, in connection with his allegations.

He also identified EPRA Deputy Director for Surveillance and Enforcement Maj. (Rtd.) Augustine Ouma as a key figure, alleging that Ouma had access to intelligence on licensed small-scale LPG traders and information about their points of sale.

Gachagua claimed that some of the cylinders were later seen during the Ol Kalou by-election, suggesting that equipment distributed to residents may have originated from the stock seized during the earlier enforcement operations.

“We have evidence that the seized gas cylinders are funneled to private and upcoming LPG enterprises owned by politicians and other state actors; one of these firms is in Kitengela and Kenyans saw these gas cylinders during the Ol Kalou by-elections,” Gachagua said.

Demand for Return of Cylinders

The former Deputy President called for the immediate return of the more than 200,000 cylinders he alleges were seized from traders.

He also demanded compensation for the affected small-scale LPG businesses, arguing that enforcement operations should follow the law and established regulatory procedures.

Gachagua accused the government of using enforcement measures to frustrate small-scale LPG traders while failing to protect their livelihoods.

He called for greater adherence to the regulatory framework governing Kenya's LPG industry and greater transparency in the handling of seized property.

Calls for Investigations and Prosecution

Gachagua also called for the arrest and prosecution of EPRA officials Joseph Oketch and Augustine Ouma, accusing them of abuse of office and alleging that they are compromised.

He similarly demanded legal action against Clive Mutiso, the OCS he identified and the 25 officers he described as rogue.

Gachagua further called for the closure of what he referred to as a “Black Site” in Hurlingham, alleging that it was connected to the operations involving the seized cylinders.

The allegations represent serious claims of abuse of power, improper seizure of private property and possible diversion of government-enforced confiscations. They remain unproven unless established through an independent investigation or legal proceedings.

The controversy adds to growing political scrutiny of government enforcement operations and regulation of Kenya's LPG sector, particularly their impact on small-scale traders.

Authorities and the officials named in the allegations will face pressure to clarify the circumstances surrounding the seizures, account for the confiscated cylinders and explain whether proper legal and administrative procedures were followed.