Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir on Wednesday, November 15, responded to claims by businesswoman Ann Njoroge with a 17-points statement.
In the statement sent to newsrooms, CS Chirchir addressed what he projected as inconsistencies and evidence of forgery in Njoroge’s claims.
Among the questions raised in the statement by the Energy CS was one of whether the businesswoman had a valid license allowing her to venture in oil importation.
As per the statement, Ann Njoroge did not have a license until October 9 when she made an application through the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) online portal.
However, CS Chirchir explained that her application was rejected on grounds that she did not meet the minimal requirements for securing such a license.
Among the requirements, Chirchir explained, include proof of having made annual sales volume in Kenya of 6.6 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit/Super Petrol, Gasoil/Diesel and/or Jet A1/Kerosene- which Ann Njoroge did not meet.
Additionally, the Energy CS noted that the businesswoman failed to prove that she had been operating a minimum of 5 licensed retail stations in Kenya as required.
Who can import oil in Kenya?
Further, Chirchir questioned the process that Ann Njoroge claimed to have used in making the controversial importation.
According to him, importation of fuel products is centrally controlled by the Ministry of Energy in line with all set regulations and policies.
In particular, Chirchir affirmed that importation can only occur through the open tendering system, or the government-to-government arrangement announced earlier in the year.
Also Read: Five Questions Emerge Over Ann Njoroge’s Shipment & disappearance
“Importation of Super Petrol, Diesel and Jet A1 into the country is centrally coordinated by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in line with Regulation 4(5) of LN 3/2023,” Chirchir explained.
“As such all imports of the aforementioned petroleum products must be authorized by the Ministry.”
Further to his confirmation, Chirchir went on to explain that he contacted Aramco Trading Fujairah FZE, one of the companies under the g-to-g deal, asking for importation of 85,000 metric tonnes.’
Also Read: Ann Njoroge Resurfaces After Days of Reported Abduction
The company, through its nominated Oil Marketing Company Galana Energies Limited, confirmed that the government’s consignment would arrive in Mombasa between October 17 and 19 on the MT Hagui Ship.
Inconsistencies in the claims by Ann Njoroge
Also highlighted in the statement were several inconsistencies in the information given by Ann Njoroge.
Among them is the stamp on her documents which the Ministry of Energy said was not identical to the one used by MT Hagui- the ship carrying the contested fuel.
What’s more, Chirchir averred that Ann Njoroge was wrong on the quantity of oil carried on the ship and that the signature on the documents was forged.
In addition, Chirchir corroborated an earlier statement by the Kenya Ports Authority stating that Njoroge’s side had given an incorrect origin of the ship said to be carrying the contested Diesel.
His revelations came even as Njoroge’s legal side maintained that she was innocent and the rightful owner of the freight.
Speaking to the press shortly after resurfacing from her alleged abduction, the businesswoman accused security agencies of mistreating her and attempting to dispossess her of the Ksh100,000 Tonnes Diesel.
