Kisumu: Two bodies retrieved from septic tank in oil siphoning racket

The bodies are yet to be identified, and circumstances surrounding their death is still shrouded in mystery. [iStockphoto]

Police in Kisumu have retrieved two bodies from an underground tank disguised as a septic tank in the oil siphoning syndicate unearthed Tuesday at a residential building.

The bodies are yet to be identified, and circumstances surrounding their death is still shrouded in mystery. County Police Commander Alphonse Kimanthi said they are yet to know how long the bodies stayed in the tank.

“We cannot tell at the moment personal details, but investigations are underway,” said the officer.

The tank contained fuel allegedly siphoned from the main Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) line from Mombasa to Kisumu’s KPC depot.

On Wednesday, detectives and officials from KPC pitched tent at a residential house allegedly used by suspects to siphon oil from the main pipeline.

Moments after partially draining the tank, the officials identified two bodies. This is after residents of Lolwe Maua estate identified an oil spillage from one of the residential houses situated next to the pipeline on Tuesday.

In the shocking incident, the suspects allegedly built an underground tank disguised as a septic tank. An underground pipe connected to the main KPC line diverted oil to the tank.

An oil spillage sending a strong smell of petrol filled the area, sparking an uproar from residents and blowing up the cover.

A search by police officers and KPC officials at the compound unearthed an underground tank full of fuel. The occupants of the house fled and are yet to be traced.

Kisumu County Commissioner Hussein Alasow said they are investigating the case. He confirmed that the leakage happened along the pipeline but declined to give full details.

“There is fuel in the septic tank. We are looking for the occupants of the house to establish what happened. We ask the public to keep off,” said Hussein. “People are so greedy. Some are attempting to make quick money,” he added.

The two-bedroomed house at the centre of the controversy has only a generator, a fire extinguisher, a small mattress, and food remains.