The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has condemned the recently exposed Petroleum importation scandal amid calls for action against the government officials involved.
In a statement shared on Tuesday, April 7, Party Leader Oburu Odinga condemned the exploitation and misuse of public resources that undermine the progress of Kenya.
Citing the high cost of living Kenyans are experiencing, the party leader said any abuse in the petroleum sector is bound to complicate Kenyans’ lives.
“At a time when Kenyans are grappling with a high cost of living, any abuse of the petroleum sector so central to our economy and daily life is both unacceptable and deeply offensive to the public conscience,” part of the statement read.
The party, however, commended the investigative authorities for their swift action in initiating inquiries into the oil scandal allegations, stating that the promptness sends a strong signal that the era of complacency in the face of corruption must come to an end.
Additionally, ODM commended President William Ruto for ensuring that the investigations proceed in a professional, expeditious, and transparent manner, free from interference or favoritism.
ODM Position on the Oil Scandal
In the statement, the party has affirmed that every public officer found culpable, regardless of their rank, office, or political persuasion, will be held fully accountable.
Accountability of all those involved, the party noted, will ensure that the fight against corruption is comprehensive, impartial, and relentless.
Additionally, ODM called for unity in addressing the corruption rather than attempts to score points through public rallies, pressers, and name-calling during campaigns.
Oburu Odinga called upon the members of the public, as well as those in office, to give full support for an impartial investigation and the bringing of the culprits to justice.
According to the party, public lynching attempts against cabinet secretaries Lee Kinyanjui and Opiyo Wandayi were derailing the investigation and politicizing the oil scam.
ODM restated that the fight against corruption is a central pillar of the ODM-UDA 10-point agenda, and the administration will continue to confront vices in the country.
Also Read: Ruto Breaks Silence on Fuel Scandal, Gives Way Forward
Call for Opiyo Wandayi and Lee Kinyanjui to Resign
The KSh4.8 billion fuel scandal involved the irregular procurement and importation of approximately 68 million liters of substandard petroleum products containing elevated levels of manganese, sulfur, and benzene, in violation of Kenyan quality standards.
Senior officials under the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum were arrested, with some resigning amid investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Among the officials in the scandal were Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director-General Daniel Kiptoo, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang, and Deputy Director Joseph Wafula.
Energy and Petroleum CS Opiyo Wandayi’s ministry was alleged to have overall oversight, with documents reportedly showing approval that enabled the importation.
On the other hand, Trade CS Lee Kinyajui is alleged to have granted and recommended waivers for the substandard fuel through letters to Wandayi.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has publicly called for action against the Energy CS over what he described as gross incompetence in the scandal.
“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,” Khalwale shared on his X account on April 4.
In addition, the senator urged the president to act swiftly, warning that inaction would prompt the National Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings.
Also Read: Hefty Salary, Allowances, and Privileges Opiyo Wandayi Could Lose if Ruto Fires Him
On April 5, human rights activists and the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya demanded Wandayi’s resignation and a full independent probe.
Wandayi and Kinyanjui Response
In a statement on April 5, Wandayi acknowledged the recent shake-up within the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, noting that he had already received the resignation letters of the officials involved.
He assured the public that there was sufficient petroleum stock to meet the country’s demand and that there would be no disruptions.
On the other hand, Lee Kinyanjui has defended himself from all the allegations surrounding the oil scandal, stating that everything he did was legal and strictly procedural.
