Detectives in Mombasa announced on Thursday that they are probing an attempted fuel theft after an illegal connection was found on a Kenya Pipeline Company line.

KPC security and maintenance crews observed an unusual pressure change on November 3 along the main line linking two key pumping stations, prompting an immediate security response.

Investigators determined that suspects had drilled into the high‑pressure pipeline and installed an unauthorized connection to siphon petroleum products.

At a press briefing on Thursday, police said they have several leads that could result in arrests, while declining to confirm whether any KPC employees were involved.

The breach area has been secured and residents have been instructed to avoid the location until KPC completes its remedial work.

The incident adds to concerns over illegal fuel siphoning, which the National Assembly Committee on Energy estimates costs KPC about Ksh600 million a year, with roughly 3.2 million litres lost annually.

Earlier raids this year include an EPRA and Energy Police Unit operation in Nairobi’s Industrial Area that recovered about 800 litres, and a Machakos case uncovered by detectives.

Authorities have warned the public that involvement in such activities carries serious legal consequences.