Fuel scandal letters drag in Wandayi, Kinyanjui
Source: nation.africa
TL;DR
- Leaked letters link CSs Opiyo Wandayi and Lee Kinyanjui to a Sh4.8 billion substandard fuel import scandal.
- Deal waived Kebs quality checks for 128,000 tonnes amid Middle East crisis fears.
- Probe shifts from resigned juniors to top ministers, risking higher accountability.
The story at a glance
Leaked letters have drawn Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi (Energy) and Lee Kinyanjui (Trade) into a probe over approving waivers for substandard fuel imports worth Sh4.8 billion. Three energy bosses resigned and arrests followed after attempts to flood the market with adulterated fuel, possibly exploiting Middle East tensions.[[1]](https://nation.africa/kenya/news/fuel-scandal-what-do-css-opiyo-wandayi-lee-kinyanjui-know--5414130#story)[[2]](https://nation.africa/kenya/news/fuel-scandal-what-do-css-opiyo-wandayi-lee-kinyanjui-know--5414130) This broke on Sunday after the Kenya Pipeline Company privatisation, prompting President Ruto to vow action against cartels.
Key points
- Scandal involves 128,000 tonnes of fuel with high sulphur, manganese, and benzene, imported outside government-to-government deals from Saudi Arabia and UAE.
- March 28 letter from Kinyanjui to Wandayi granted Kebs waiver but listed six conditions, including tests and indemnity; no response received from Energy ministry.[[1]](https://nation.africa/kenya/news/fuel-scandal-what-do-css-opiyo-wandayi-lee-kinyanjui-know--5414130#story)
- Resignations: Energy PS Mohamed Liban, KPC MD Joe Sang, Epra DG Daniel Kiprop; arrests include KPC's Joel Mburu and Energy's Joseph Wafula.
- DCI questioning Mombasa petroleum firm executives, Oryx Energies (Swiss-owned), Kebs MD Esther Ngari, and PS Juma Mukhwana; probe extends abroad via MLA.
- Kinyanjui says his letter only set conditions per law, after requests from Liban and Sang; Wandayi has not detailed response but warns against cartels.
Details and context
The deal aimed to avert shortages from US-Israel-Iran war and Strait of Hormuz risks, but detectives see a cartel plan for economic sabotage via poor fuel. Fuel was on MT Paloma for destination checks under KS EAS 158:2025 specs.
This follows KPC privatisation, a Ruto flagship, and comes amid hoarding probes and price fears. Sources say letters, now authenticated, show Trade-Energy coordination.
No charges yet; five in custody face court. Liban freed on health grounds.
Key quotes
- “The Cabinet secretaries will be required to shed light on what they know about the issue; it is no longer about the junior officials.” – Senior DCI officer.[[1]](https://nation.africa/kenya/news/fuel-scandal-what-do-css-opiyo-wandayi-lee-kinyanjui-know--5414130#story)
- “I am not aware of any other happenings beyond the approvals for a waiver. My letter also gave conditions...” – CS Lee Kinyanjui.[[1]](https://nation.africa/kenya/news/fuel-scandal-what-do-css-opiyo-wandayi-lee-kinyanjui-know--5414130#story)
Why it matters
A confirmed cartel flooding Kenya with bad fuel threatens engines, health, and supply chains during global tensions. Kenyans face higher repair costs, pollution risks, and price hikes if stocks are tainted; firms like transporters could suffer losses. Watch if CSs record statements or resign, and DCI charges, as probe tests Ruto's anti-cartel vows.