Many Kenyans see this as corruption, but Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo say the situation is different.
They argue the practice comes fromshortages within the system, not dishonesty by officers.
The discussion gained attention when a member of the public described an experience at a police station, where they were told to “weka mafuta” before officers could follow up on a case.
That account echoed what many Kenyans have gone through.
It is these everyday encounters that inspired newsrooms to highlight the issue and demand answers from the country’s top security officials.
PS Omollo admitted the challenge is real. He explained that fuel allocations for police stations are often inadequate.
Some officers, especially in far-flung areas, spend a large share of their monthly fuel on a single journey.
Once that happens, they are left with little to respond to new cases.
Omollo said the ministry is working to increase allocations so that the public does not have to shoulder the burden.
“With the current arrangement, some stations run out of fuel by mid-month.
When emergencies come, officers are stuck, and that is when civilians are asked to chip in,” he explained.
CS Murkomen supported the statement, noting that every police vehicle receives 450 litres of fuel monthly through the government’s leasing program.
However, he said the amount is quickly consumed, especially in regions with heavy patrol demands. By the 20th day of most months, many vehicles are grounded.
“Kenyans believe when police ask for fuel, it is a bribe. That is not the case. It is a result of insufficient supply,” Murkomen said.
He revealed that officers have proposed raising the allocation to at least 650 litres per month to remain operational until month-end.
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