Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi Confirms Fake Fuel Threat Contained, Supplies Secure
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has assured Kenyans that the country’s fuel supply remains stable and secure, following the arrest of senior government officials linked to the importation of substandard petroleum products.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Wandayi confirmed that the government had taken swift action to contain the situation, including halting a second fuel shipment suspected to be linked to the ongoing investigation into contaminated fuel already in circulation.
“When full information about the fuel shipment that is the subject of investigations emerged, we stopped the delivery of a second cargo under similar circumstances, thus protecting and securing public interest,” Wandayi said.
The Cabinet Secretary’s remarks come in the wake of a high-profile crackdown that saw the arrest of former petroleum Principal Secretary Mohammed Liban, former Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang, and former Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Director General Daniel Kiptoo. The officials, alongside another senior officer from the ministry, were arrested on Friday over allegations of procuring substandard fuel valued at over Ksh 4 billion.
Authorities indicated that part of the questionable fuel consignment had already entered the local market, raising concerns about quality control and consumer safety.
Despite the unfolding scandal, Wandayi moved to calm public anxiety, maintaining that the government has sufficient petroleum reserves to meet current demand and prevent any supply disruptions.
“The government wishes to assure the public that the situation is under control. We further wish to reassure the public that there are sufficient stocks of petroleum products to meet current demand,” he stated.
The statement marks Wandayi’s first public response since the arrests, which had triggered mounting pressure from sections of political leaders and the public demanding accountability within the energy docket. Calls for his resignation had intensified amid concerns over oversight failures.
Addressing the halted shipment, Wandayi noted that it shared characteristics with the cargo currently under investigation, prompting authorities to intervene before it could be discharged into the Kenyan market.
To strengthen oversight and restore public confidence, the ministry has launched an internal review of petroleum supply chain systems and procedures.
“The Ministry has initiated a comprehensive internal review of petroleum products management systems and processes. This measure is aimed at reinforcing transparency, safeguarding quality, and ensuring the continued integrity of the supply chain,” Wandayi announced.
The Cabinet Secretary further issued a stern warning to individuals and groups seeking to exploit the situation for financial gain, cautioning against the spread of misinformation and market manipulation.
He accused unnamed political actors of fuelling panic through misleading claims, even as investigations remain ongoing.
The developments come shortly after President William Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to combating cartels in the energy sector. The Head of State warned against attempts to exploit global instability, including tensions linked to Iran, to smuggle unauthorised or substandard fuel into the country.
As investigations continue, attention is now focused on regulatory enforcement, accountability within key institutions, and the broader implications for Kenya’s energy security framework. The government has pledged to take firm action against those found culpable while maintaining uninterrupted fuel supply nationwide.
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Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi Confirms Fake Fuel Threat Contained, Supplies Secure
