Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has dismissed growing calls for his resignation over the controversial KSh4.8 billion fuel import, insisting he remains fit to serve.
CS Rejects Resignation Pressure
Appearing before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy, Wandayi maintained that there is no justification for him to step down.
“There is no reason to stop me from continuing to discharge my duties as Cabinet Secretary,” he told lawmakers.
Blames Approval on Former PS
Wandayi attributed the approval of the disputed fuel consignment to former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban.
According to the CS, the importation followed a recommendation by a technical committee, with the final decision made by the PS.
“The PS in his wisdom did approve it,” he stated.
Briefing the President
Wandayi said he acted promptly after discovering the consignment had been imported outside the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) framework.
He revealed that he briefed William Ruto on March 30, prompting immediate action.
“It is upon that brief that His Excellency advised me to take the necessary steps to stop the second cargo,” he said.
First Breach of G-to-G Framework
The CS emphasized that this was the first instance of fuel being imported outside the G-to-G arrangement since its introduction in 2023.
“This is the first consignment that came outside the G-to-G framework,” Wandayi told the committee, adding that the system has otherwise functioned effectively.
Pressure Mounts After Resignations
Calls for Wandayi’s resignation have intensified following the exit of key officials linked to the scandal, including Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria and Joe Sang.
The officials stepped down after their arrest over the alleged importation of substandard fuel.
Legal Challenge Filed
On April 10, a case was filed at the Milimani High Court seeking Wandayi’s suspension over alleged involvement in the irregular deal.
Ongoing Scrutiny
The matter continues to draw national attention, with lawmakers pushing for accountability and clarity over how the controversial fuel consignment was approved and imported.
The outcome of the investigations and court proceedings is expected to shape the future of Kenya’s energy sector oversight.
