Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that some gas cylinders distributed to residents during the Ol Kalou by-election were among more than 200,000 cylinders he claims were seized from small-scale LPG traders during government enforcement operations. Speaking during a press briefing at his Karen residence on Wednesday, Gachagua claimed the seizures took place between June and October 2025 across Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado and Machakos.
According to Gachagua, the operations involved a police team led by Robert Linyiru Gituma, whom he identified as an OCS, alongside 25 other officers. He alleged that the officers operated outside established enforcement procedures and were under the supervision of Clive Mutiso. Gachagua further claimed that the team received support from Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and transported the cylinders using private vehicles and trucks without preparing inventories or making entries in Occurrence Books.
Alleged Diversion of Seized Cylinders
Gachagua alleged that some of the seized cylinders were later transferred to private and emerging LPG businesses linked to politicians and state officials. He also named senior officials at the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), including Director General Joseph Oketch and Deputy Director for Surveillance and Enforcement Maj. (Rtd.) Augustine Ouma.
The former Deputy President accused Ouma of allegedly providing intelligence and information on the locations of licensed small-scale LPG traders. Gachagua claimed that some of the cylinders were later spotted during the Ol Kalou by-election, raising questions over whether the items distributed to residents came from those seized during the raids.
We have evidence that the seized gas cylinders are funneled to private and upcoming LPG enterprises owned by politicians and other state actors
Rigathi GachaguaGachagua Demands Return of Cylinders
Gachagua called for the return of the more than 200,000 gas cylinders he says were seized from traders, as well as compensation for those affected. He accused the government of using enforcement operations to undermine small-scale LPG businesses and urged authorities to ensure that regulations governing the sector are properly followed.
He also called for the arrest and prosecution of Oketch and Ouma, accusing them of abuse of office and claiming they were compromised. Gachagua further demanded legal action against Clive Mutiso, the OCS and the 25 officers he described as rogue officers.
He also called for the closure of what he referred to as a “black site” in Hurlingham. The allegations made by Gachagua have not been independently established in the claims presented above.
