Authorities in Kajiado have nabbed two men in a daring attempt to swindle over Ksh 1.2 million worth of diesel from a petrol station in Bisil township.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects disguised themselves as wealthy customers and nearly pulled off the heist before an alert pump attendant exposed their scheme.

The duo arrived at Sajjy Petrol Station aboard a fuel tanker, claiming to have wired payment for 6,000 litres of diesel directly to the station owner’s bank account. They even presented what seemed like a valid payment confirmation, tricking the attendant into starting the fueling process.

However, suspicion arose when the attendant stepped away to verify the transaction, only to be informed by his boss that no payment had been received.

Sensing foul play, the quick-thinking worker discreetly alerted his colleagues, who swiftly restrained the fraudsters before calling the police.

By the time officers arrived, the conmen—identified as 32-year-old Boniface Karanja and his 54-year-old accomplice Daniel Kimani—had already been subdued. Their tanker, bearing registration number KCC 312G, was also confiscated.

Further investigations revealed that the duo had traveled from Nairobi and were part of a larger syndicate preying on fuel stations in smaller towns.

DCI has now launched a probe into the network behind this sophisticated fuel scam, warning petrol stations to stay vigilant.