Police in Thika town yesterday busted fake engine oil-making products and related products consignment at a residential house in Kangoki Village in Thika within Kiambu County.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Perminus Kioi the Kiambu Police Commander stated that officers on patrol received a tipoff from residents of suspicious vehicle movement to and from the said premises. Upon entry, officers found oil barrels, containers, and cartons of oil with the branding of two leading companies that is Shell and Total.
Polisi wanasa vifaa vya kutengeneza mafuta bandia ya injini za gari https://t.co/dmNyfJHm5f pic.twitter.com/QBgcKYFtj6
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) September 7, 2022
The officers also found equipment and assorted chemicals suspected to be used to manufacture, distill, or process the oil. The police boss also pointed out that once the officers gained access to the premises, the suspects fled but the Police had information about the suspects and they would soon be brought to justice. This comes on the backdrop of a warning from the Anti-Counterfeit Authority earlier this year warning motorists of adulterated engine oil in the market roping in unscrupulous mechanics and dealers in its supply. The Authority had late last month seized a total of 38 boxes containing 467 pieces of counterfeit TOTAL lubricants worth over KSH 500,000.00 from an outlet named Sonko Auto spares.
Mr. Kioi thanked the police for the swift action. He also commended the residents for giving the information leading to the discovery and urged motorists to buy motor oil from genuine authorized dealers and petrol stations adding that such counterfeit oil would have detrimental effects on their vehicles such as excessive smoking and ultimately lead to engine knocks. He pointed out that they would be working with the oil dealers to conduct investigations on the matter with the suspicion that the suspects were operating more of such illegal industries. The value of the said lubricants is yet to be established though, from the initial reports, it is believed to run into millions of Kenya Shillings.
We at spaceyamagari.com urge motorists to be on the lookout for counterfeit oil and other motor vehicle products and report any of such to the authorities and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority. Where you suspect to have been sold adulterated fuel or lubricants, you can file a complaint with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) via their USSD service *363#. Alternatively, you send a message and EPRA will get back to you. Type the word “Complaint” and send it to the number 40850.
Also, be on the lookout for substandard Oil and other auto products. Localy-made products ought to have KEBS marks of quality which can be verified by SMS code 20023 or the KEBS app from the google play store. Report suspected substandard products to KEBS via their toll-free number 1545 and also consult with the Anti-counterfeit authority for any suspected counterfeits.
Young Lawyer with a passion for vehicles.
Upcoming Motor Journalist.
L'écriture est ma passion.
Nissan Patrol Y 62 is the goal.
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karimi@spaceyamagari.com
