The government has defended its crackdown on illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) operations after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused authorities of harassing small-scale gas traders and alleged that more than 200,000 cylinders seized during enforcement operations were diverted for political and commercial purposes.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the ongoing enforcement operations were aimed at curbing illegal refilling and illicit trade in LPG, which he described as a threat to public safety.
Wandayi said the crackdown was anchored in the LPG National Growth Strategy approved by Cabinet in October 2023 and the Petroleum (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) (No. 2) Regulations, 2025, which require LPG businesses to obtain operational licences and comply with licensing conditions.
The CS’s statement came hours after Gachagua claimed that more than 200,000 gas cylinders had been seized from small-scale LPG traders in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado and Machakos between June and October 2025.
Speaking at his Karen residence, Gachagua alleged that the seizures were carried out by a police unit operating outside established procedures and claimed that the cylinders were subsequently channelled to private LPG businesses.
“Where are these 200,000 gas cylinders?” Gachagua asked.
The former deputy president further alleged that some of the seized cylinders were later repainted and distributed to residents during the Ol Kalou by-election, claims that have not been independently established.
Gachagua also accused the government of targeting small-scale LPG traders, saying the actions contradicted President William Ruto’s earlier pledge to make cooking gas more affordable.
“Little did we know that he was planning to raid the trade and dominate it,” Gachagua said, referring to Ruto’s 2023 commitment on affordable cooking gas.
He further called for the alleged enforcement unit to be disbanded and the cylinders returned to their owners. The Standard reported that Gachagua also accused the government of using a private company to introduce new cylinders and alleged that the President sought to dominate the LPG market.
The government, however, maintains that enforcement is being conducted within the law.
Wandayi said the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) works with the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to combat illegal activities in the LPG sector. He added that when illegally refilled cylinders are confiscated, authorities conduct an inventory witnessed by EPRA, police and the affected operator, followed by a fair hearing before legal or administrative action is taken.
The regulations also require LPG cylinders to be clearly branded, with only legitimate brand owners authorised to refill and trade in the cylinders.
The government is also preparing to establish a central LPG cylinder tracking system to improve traceability of cylinders and enhance transparency in the sector. Wandayi clarified that procurement of the system is still underway and “far from completion”.
The government has previously promoted LPG as part of its clean-cooking agenda. In February 2023, President Ruto said the government was seeking to increase household consumption of LPG and planned to use an open tender system for imports to achieve competitive pricing.
Wandayi said Kenya had operated a common petroleum import system for products including super petrol, diesel and kerosene for 23 years, and noted that Cabinet in December 2024 recommended extending the framework to include LPG, Heavy Fuel Oil and bitumen.
Amid the political dispute over the crackdown, Wandayi urged politicians to avoid attacking public officers and law enforcement agencies carrying out their duties.
“Government will not succumb to pressure from politicians and cartels hellbent to benefit from LPG illicit trade,” Wandayi said.
He added that the crackdown would continue until full compliance with the law was achieved.
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