A Kenya Pipeline Company logistics manager has received court protection from arrest after raising concerns that he could be detained while investigations into the Sh12 billion fuel matter continue across the energy sector.
The High Court granted Joel Mburu anticipatory bail set at Sh5 million, with a matching surety, after he filed an urgent application seeking orders to stop what he termed possible arrest and detention linked to the ongoing probe.
He told the court that he believed there was a risk of being picked up at any time as investigations intensified.
Mburu told the court that on April 2, while on Easter break, he was informed that unknown individuals had gone to his home in Rironi, Kiambu County. He further stated that on April 3, persons he believed to be police officers forced entry into his house and carried away several items.
He said the incident left him shaken, with emotional distress, fear and anxiety affecting his health, leading to migraines and high fever. Medical advice, he said, recommended that he take a three-day rest “to restore proper functioning of my vital organs and faculties”.
Through his lawyers, Mburu assured the court that he is willing to present himself to any police station and provide any documents required by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations when called upon. He also argued that officers had been seen around his residence, which he interpreted as preparation for his arrest.
“It is in the interest of justice that this application is heard urgently and con-servatory orders be issued, restraining the respondents or their servants from arresting or holding me in custody,” he said.
He also pointed to a public statement by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei regarding investigations into alleged unlawful importation of petroleum products outside the approved policy and regulatory system.
The development comes as scrutiny of the Sh12 billion fuel scandal continues, with Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang and Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority chief Daniel Kiptoo previously arrested and later released after spending the Easter weekend in custody. Both, together with Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, have since stepped aside as investigations proceed.