Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi told MPs he neither approved nor had prior knowledge of the controversial Sh12 billion fuel import,as he appeared before the National Assembly Energy Committee amid mounting pressure over the scandal.
Facing lawmakers for the first time since the issue emerged- and after initially skipping a summons- insisting it was executed outside the government-to-government (G-to-G) framework without his involvement.
“The approval of the CS in the importation of this fuel was not sought,” said Mr Wandayi.
“Procurement of the consignment was recommended by a technical committee. The PS [Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban] approved it in his wisdom.”
He told the committee that he only became aware of the importation after it had already occurred, at which point he moved to act.
“On March 30, it emerged this consignment came out of G-to-G and I moved swiftly and briefed the president. His excellency advised me to stop the second vessel which was coming in,” he said.
The CS maintained that any deviation from the G-to-G arrangement- which involves fuel supply agreements with Saudi Aramco, Emirates National Oil Company and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company- would require Cabinet approval.
However, his testimony raised fresh concerns among MPs, particularly after he admitted he could not explain the sudden resignation of key officials linked to the deal. Former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang, and Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Director-General Daniel Kiptoo all stepped down following the scandal.
“I cannot say why they resigned.” What I know is that investigations are going on. There is no evidence of coercion. There is no reason for stopping me to continue to discharge my duties as CS for Energy,” Mr Wandayi said.
He added that corrective measures had already been initiated, including directing the importing firm to re-export the fuel and withdraw invoices issued to local retailers.
The importation had reportedly been justified by concerns over declining fuel stocks, partly linked to supply disruptions caused by tensions in the Middle East. Mr Wandayi, however, hinted at possible manipulation of stock data to create the impression of a shortage.
On the impact on fuel prices, the CS remained cautious but sought to reassure the public.
“But we are not sitting pretty. We are taking proactive measures,among them taxation, to ensure that Kenyans are not disadvantaged by what is happening in the Middle East,”he said.
“Take it from me, the cost of this consignment will not be factored. We ask Kenyans to be patient and wait tomorrow to see measures the government has taken to cushion them.”
He further dismissed reports of a national shortage, attributing supply concerns to market behaviour.
“There is no shortage of fuel in the country. If there is any shortage, it has been caused by oil market players,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has taken action against suspected hoarding, with acting Director-General Joseph Oketch confirming that show-cause letters had been issued to affected dealers.
The ongoing probe continues as lawmakers seek clarity on how such a high-stakes import bypassed established procedures.
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