Pressure Mounts for CS Wandayi’s Arrest & Resignation as Fuel Scandal Deepens
The controversy, which emerged on Thursday, has drawn in senior officials across the energy sector, with allegations of data manipulation and irregular procurement of fuel valued at approximately Ksh4 billion. The developments have intensified scrutiny on the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, placing Wandayi at the centre of calls for accountability.
In a statement issued by the Office of the President through Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, investigations revealed that officials from key agencies may have falsified data on in-country fuel stocks. Those implicated include Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang, Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, and Deputy Director Joseph Wafula.
According to the presidency, the alleged manipulation created a false impression of a looming fuel shortage, prompting the ministry to procure an emergency fuel shipment outside the government-to-government (G-2-G) framework Kenya has with Gulf oil suppliers.
“The shipment in question was procured in blatant breach of the G2G framework, at a price significantly above the contracted rates, in complete disregard of established emergency procurement procedures, and was of substandard quality,” the statement from the President’s office read.
President Ruto further suggested that the move may have been orchestrated to exploit global fuel price volatility and public anxiety.
“This appears to have been done to exploit rising global prices and public anxiety, thereby creating a false impression of an impending supply shortfall,” he stated.
Following the revelations, Kiptoo, Sang, Liban, and Wafula were arrested. While Liban was later released on medical grounds, the others remain in custody as investigations continue. Kiptoo, Sang, and Liban have since resigned from their respective positions.
“CS Opiyo Wandayi’s core responsibility is to develop, implement, review, and enforce policies in the Ministry of Energy & Petroleum. He is the leader, reporting directly to the President,” Khalwale said.
“He knew or ought to have known the diversion of condemned fuel worth Ksh4 billion into the Kenyan market. If he knew, he must be arrested immediately for criminal culpability. If he didn’t know, he must take political responsibility and resign or be sacked,” he added.
Khalwale further warned that failure by the executive to act could trigger parliamentary intervention, including possible impeachment proceedings in the National Assembly of Kenya.
However, not all leaders are convinced the arrests are purely driven by accountability concerns. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has suggested that deeper interests within the fuel supply chain could be influencing the unfolding events.
“It has very little to do with the welfare of Kenyans, and it has everything to do with small people who have eaten what belongs to the big man. Kenyans need to know this clearly so we can unveil whatever is hidden in our fuel sector,” Nyoro claimed.
As investigations continue, the scandal is rapidly evolving into a major test of accountability within the government. Analysts say the outcome could have far-reaching implications for public trust, governance, and reforms in Kenya’s critical energy sector.
With billions of shillings at stake and senior officials already implicated, attention now turns to President Ruto and whether further action will be taken against those at the helm of the ministry.
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Pressure Mounts for CS Wandayi’s Arrest & Resignation as Fuel Scandal Deepens
