Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi is currently under scrutiny amid an intensifying debate over his leadership at the helm of the country’s crucial docket.
The energy sector has been thrown into turmoil as investigations into alleged irregularities in the petroleum supply chain continue.
Three senior energy officials, including the Petroleum Principal Secretary, Mohamed Liban, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Director General Daniel Kiptoo, and Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang, resigned following arrests tied to accusations of manipulating national fuel stock data and authorizing emergency imports at inflated costs.
President William Ruto on Monday, April 5, vowed to deal with all cartels in the oil sector and that individuals behind the substandard fuel importation scandal will be held accountable.
Wandayi emphasized that Kenya continues to maintain sufficient petroleum stocks to meet current demand and that the government remains committed to ensuring the quality and uninterrupted supply of fuel.
Pressure is also mounting on Wandayi to take responsibility and resign for sleeping on the job. Others opine that President Ruto, the appointing authority, should crack the whip and axe Wandayi.
CS Wandayi, John Mbadi (Treasury), Ali Hassan Joho (Mining), and Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives) joined Ruto’s cabinet after the late Raila Odinga donated them to the government as experts. This followed a cooperation agreement between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the Kenya Kwanza regime.
So, what does Wandayi stand to lose if the flag were to go?
Also Read: Ruto Breaks Silence on Fuel Scandal, Gives Way Forward
Salary and Benefits of Wandayi at Stake
As a Cabinet Secretary, he is entitled to a hefty salary, perks, and professional advantages tied to the office.
According to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), Wandayi is eligible for a basic salary of Ksh554,400, a house allowance of Ksh.200,000, and a market adjustment of Ksh. 169,600, for a total gross salary of Ksh. 924,000.
Allowances and Other Entitlements
Other benefits include an official state car valued at between 5 and 8 million Ksh, with a maximum engine capacity of 3,000 cc.
Opiyo is also entitled to medical benefits, which include an annual medical cover that will cater for one spouse and a maximum of four children under the age of 25.
The medical benefits include inpatient cover of Ksh10 million, outpatient cover of Ksh300,000, dental cover of Ksh75,000, and optical cover of Ksh75,000.
He is also entitled to a KSh 10 million Car loan and a KSh 40 million mortgage.
Energy CS also enjoys a monthly airtime allowance of up to Ksh20,000 and daily subsistence allowances for domestic and international travel, in accordance with rates reviewed and set by the SRC from time to time.
The Inspector General of Police also provides him with adequate security arrangements against potential threats, allowing him to perform his duties without risk.
If Wandayi is removed from office, he would immediately lose these financial benefits. The total annual value of salary, allowances, vehicle, medical cover, and pension contributions could amount to between KSh 18 and 21 million.
In addition to direct monetary value, the position provides networking opportunities and access to professional platforms that can indirectly enhance his business or investment prospects.
Also Read: CS Opiyo Wandayi Clears the Air on Stabex and G-to-G Fuel Deal
Opiyo Wandayi Declared Net Worth
During his vetting in the National Assembly as the CS in 2024, Wandayi declared his net worth as KSh 530 million.
His wealth comprises land, residential properties, and agricultural farms across the country.
- Plots and developed land in Kitengela (Kajiado County) and Migori, which include both residential and commercial-ready parcels
- Residential houses in Nairobi and Migori
- Farms in Siaya and Narok counties.
Boni Khalwale Calls for CS Wandayi’s Resignation or face Impeachment
Several leaders and a cross-section of Kenyans have called for Opiyo Wandayi to the axed. Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has called for accountability in Kenya’s energy sector, urging action against Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.
According to Khalwale, Wandayi, as the head of the ministry, is responsible for developing, implementing, reviewing, and enforcing energy policies and reports directly to the President.
The senator highlighted allegations that the officials diverted condemned fuel worth KSh 4 billion into the Kenyan market.
Khalwale asserted that if Wandayi was aware of the diversion, he should be arrested immediately for criminal culpability. If he was unaware, Khalwale argued, Wandayi must take political responsibility and resign or face dismissal for gross incompetence.
He further emphasized that if the President fails to act, the National Assembly must exercise its constitutional mandate to impeach the Cabinet Secretary.
“If he knew, he must be arrested immediately for criminal culpability. If he didn’t know, he must immediately take political responsibility and resign or be sacked for gross incompetence. If the President fails to sack him because of the shenanigans of the broad-based government, the National Assembly must then exercise its constitutional mandate and impeach him,” said Khalwale.
