Wandayi says unaware of energy chiefs’ exit amid Sh4bn fuel probe

NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 13 – Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has told Parliament he does not know the circumstances surrounding the resignation of three top officials in the petroleum sector, as investigations into a controversial fuel importation deal intensify.

Appearing before the National Assembly’s Energy Committee, Wandayi said ongoing probes had not established whether the exits of Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo, and Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang were influenced by external pressure.

“As to why three or so officers have resigned, I cannot say because I do not know why they resigned,” Wandayi said.

The three officials stepped down on April 4, shortly after their arrest over their alleged role in the importation of substandard fuel.

Investigations point to a possible scheme involving manipulation of fuel stock data to create an artificial shortage, paving the way for an emergency fuel import outside the government-to-government (G2G) framework.

The shipment, estimated at about Sh4 billion, was reportedly procured at above-market prices and later found to be substandard, raising concerns over procurement integrity and regulatory oversight.

Authorities have described the matter as a potential economic crime, citing possible breaches of procurement laws and abuse of public trust as investigations continue.