Orange Democratic Movement party leader Oburu Oginga has defended Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi and Lee Kinyanjui over links to the Ksh.4.8 billion fuel scandal Kenya. The scandal involves a deal to import two petroleum consignments totaling 128,000 tonnes outside the government-to-government framework. Wandayi and Kinyanjui, who serve as Energy and Trade ministers respectively, have faced scrutiny over their alleged involvement in the illegal importation.
While condemning the graft, Oburu warned that unnamed persons are attempting to score political points through public rallies, pressers, and name-calling. He argued that such tactics undermine the integrity of ongoing investigations. “Attempts at public lynching of cabinet secretaries Lee Kinyanjui and Opiyo Wandayi, who are not accounting officers, as some leaders are attempting, will only derail the investigations and politicise the scam as we Kenyans are wont to do,” said Oburu in a statement on Tuesday.
ODM Leader Calls for Proper Investigation into Fuel Scandal Kenya
The ODM leader said authorities can pursue the two cabinet secretaries if investigations by relevant bodies link them to the fuel importation scandal. He emphasized that the nation must close ranks and support full and unapologetic slaying of the dragon of graft. “This is a time when the nation must close ranks and support full and unapologetic slaying of the dragon of graft – and not scoring points through public rallies, pressers and name-calling but giving encouragement and creating room for full and impartial investigation and subjecting the culprits to justice,” he added.
According to Oburu, ODM remains committed to ending corruption. This commitment formed one of the party’s goals in the 10-point agenda signed with the ruling coalition Kenya Kwanza. Oburu argued that the manner in which President William Ruto’s government handles the fuel scandal Kenya will serve as the true measure of its commitment to integrity, accountability, and good governance. “ODM stands firmly with the people of Kenya in demanding justice, transparency, and the full recovery of any resources lost through this scandal,” he said.
Multiple Arrests and Resignations Rock Energy Sector
Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohammed Liban, Kenya Pipeline Managing Director Joe Sang, and Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Director General Daniel Kiptoo have all faced arrest. Authorities allegedly imported substandard fuel as part of the scheme. The energy officials have since resigned from their respective posts. Their arrests signal the seriousness with which the government is pursuing the matter.
On Sunday, President William Ruto vowed to take on all involved parties in the fuel importation scheme. President Ruto said his administration will weed out all the profiteers and cartels in the petroleum sector. “We will deal firmly, decisively and conclusively with all the cartels in the oil sector,” he said. The president’s remarks suggest that no individual, regardless of rank, will escape scrutiny.
The fuel scandal Kenya has dominated headlines for several weeks. Critics question how such a large consignment entered the country without proper authorization. The government-to-government framework, established in 2023, was specifically designed to prevent this type of irregular importation. It has generally succeeded in stabilizing fuel prices and ensuring supply security.
Industry observers note that the scandal could have broader implications for Kenya’s energy sector. If senior officials are found culpable, it may undermine public confidence in the G-to-G arrangement. Conversely, a thorough and transparent investigation could strengthen the framework by demonstrating that violations carry consequences.
Oburu’s intervention adds a political dimension to the unfolding saga. As an ODM leader and the brother of former prime minister Raila Odinga, his voice carries weight within the opposition. His call for due process rather than public lynching may temper some of the more aggressive political rhetoric surrounding the case.
The government has not yet announced a timeline for completing its investigations. Meanwhile, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority continues its monthly computation of petroleum product costs. Officials have assured the public that fuel prices will remain stable despite the ongoing scandal. For now, Kenyans await further developments as investigators dig deeper into the fuel scandal Kenya.
