ODM Defends CS Wandayi as Pressure Builds Over Fuel Scandal
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has strongly defended Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui as public pressure continues to rise over the controversial importation of substandard fuel into the country.
In a statement released on April 7, ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga cautioned Kenyans against rushing to blame or condemn the two Cabinet Secretaries before investigations into the scandal are completed.
He said that turning the issue into a political blame game too early could interfere with the work of investigators and make it harder for the truth to come out.
Oburu noted that some political leaders and members of the public were already calling for Wandayi and Kinyanjui to take responsibility, yet the two are not directly involved in financial management as accounting officers.
According to him, attacking them publicly before evidence is presented could easily derail the probe and shift attention away from the real individuals behind the alleged scam.
He stressed that attempts to “publicly lynch” the two CSs at this stage would only politicise the matter, something he warned Kenyans have often done in major scandals.
ODM maintained that the focus should remain on allowing professional investigators to do their job without interference, pressure, or political influence.
At the same time, the party made it clear that its defence of the two leaders should not be mistaken for shielding anyone from justice.
ODM said that if the ongoing investigations eventually establish that Wandayi or Kinyanjui played any role in the scandal, then they must face the full force of the law just like any other suspect.
The party further restated that the fight against corruption remains one of the most important pillars of the ODM-UDA 10-point working agreement.
ODM said the manner in which the current administration handles this scandal will be a major test of its seriousness in promoting integrity, accountability, and good governance in public service.
In its statement, ODM also praised President William Ruto’s administration for showing willingness to confront corruption, saying the government now has an opportunity to prove that no individual is above the law.
The party emphasised that the investigations must be fair, transparent, and thorough so that the public can regain confidence in the country’s energy sector.
The statement comes only days after news of the fuel scandal shocked the country, leading to the arrest of several senior state officials linked to the energy sector.
Among those arrested on Friday, April 3, were former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohammed Liban, former Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo, and former Kenya Pipeline Corporation Managing Director Joe Sang.
The three officials, who were later released on bail on Monday, April 8, are accused of allegedly manipulating national energy data to create the impression that Kenya was facing a fuel shortage.
Investigators believe this false perception may have been used to justify the procurement of fuel outside the government-to-government (G2G) supply arrangement.
Public anger has continued to grow after reports emerged that fuel which had already been condemned was allegedly diverted into the Kenyan market instead of being rejected.
This development has intensified calls for President Ruto to suspend Wandayi and Kinyanjui or for the two Cabinet Secretaries to step aside voluntarily as investigations continue.
The controversial deal reportedly involved the importation of 68,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit, with government estimates placing the total cost to the country at Ksh 2.9 billion.
The huge financial implications of the transaction have raised even more concerns among Kenyans over possible losses of public funds.
CS Wandayi has already moved to calm public fears, assuring citizens that taxpayers will not be forced to shoulder the burden of the loss.
He said the government is committed to pursuing every legal and administrative option available to recover the money involved in the deal.
He further revealed that the ministry had already acted to prevent more losses by halting the delivery of a second fuel shipment that was reportedly being processed under similar questionable circumstances.
According to Wandayi, this quick action helped protect public resources and safeguard the country’s interests.
President Ruto has also spoken firmly on the matter, promising decisive action against all individuals found to have participated in the scandal, regardless of their status or position in government.
He warned that cartels operating within the energy sector would no longer be allowed to manipulate the system for personal gain.
The Head of State added that his administration will not allow global events, including tensions in the Middle East, to be used as excuses for creating artificial crises in Kenya’s local fuel market.
His remarks signaled a tough stance against those accused of exploiting international developments to profit through local shortages and panic.
As investigations continue, the fuel scandal is now shaping up to be one of the biggest tests yet for the government’s anti-corruption agenda, with Kenyans closely watching to see whether accountability will truly be upheld.
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