Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has issued a formal assurance to the public regarding the stability of Kenya’s petroleum reserves, while simultaneously cautioning political leaders against interfering with the ongoing criminal investigations into a multi-billion-shilling fuel import scandal.
In a comprehensive statement released Sunday, the Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the country maintains sufficient petroleum stocks to meet both domestic and regional demand. The assurance follows a week of high-level arrests and resignations within the energy sector that sparked concerns over potential supply disruptions.
“We wish to appeal to the public to be patient and allow the relevant government agencies to undertake independent and professional investigations into the matters in question conclusively,” Wandayi stated. He underscored the government’s commitment to a transparent inquiry into allegations of economic sabotage that led to the exit of three of the sector’s most senior officials.
The leadership crisis was triggered by the arrest of Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang, and Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo. The three were apprehended by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on charges related to the falsification of domestic fuel stock data.
Investigators allege that the officials orchestrated an artificial supply crisis by underreporting current reserves. This manufactured panic reportedly served as the justification for an emergency fuel shipment, procured outside the existing Government-to-Government (G-to-G) framework, at a price exceeding three times the contracted market rate. Preliminary quality tests by internal KPC auditors also suggested the imported product was of substandard quality.
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Addressing the political friction surrounding the arrests, CS Wandayi expressed concern over what he characterized as a campaign of disinformation. He warned against attempts by certain political factions to exploit the procedural instability for partisan advantage, asserting that the G-to-G procurement model remains resilient and continues to protect the Kenyan economy from volatile price shocks originating in the Gulf.
“We reiterate that the government will not tolerate cartels, profiteers, or extortionists seeking to take advantage of regional uncertainties for personal gain,” Wandayi added.
To prevent future lapses, the Ministry of Energy has initiated an internal review of all petroleum management systems. This audit is intended to reinforce transparency and safeguard the integrity of the supply chain, ensuring that quality standards are strictly adhered to at every point of entry.
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The CS reaffirmed that the government is working to ensure an uninterrupted supply of quality petroleum products for both the Kenyan market and the landlocked neighboring countries that rely on the Port of Mombasa and the KPC pipeline network.
The three former officials remain in custody as detectives from the DCI’s Operations Support Unit continue to analyze procurement documents and digital stock-monitoring logs. The suspects are expected to be formally charged in court later this week as the government moves to appoint substantive replacements for the vacant leadership positions.
