Parliament Summons CS Wandayi Over KSh 4.8B Fuel Scandal
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi is expected to appear before the National Assembly to answer tough questions over the importation of substandard fuel and the current fuel stock situation in the country.
The summons comes as pressure continues to rise over the ongoing KSh 4.8 billion fuel scandal that has shaken the energy sector and sparked public concern across Kenya.
The embattled CS is set to face the National Assembly’s Energy Committee on Thursday, April 9, where lawmakers are expected to demand clear answers on how the controversial fuel consignment entered the country outside the government-to-government fuel import framework.
The session is likely to focus on accountability, procurement procedures, and the role played by top ministry officials and state agencies in the unfolding scandal.
During the high-stakes committee meeting, Wandayi will appear alongside senior officials from key agencies in the petroleum sector, including the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Members of Parliament are expected to press the officials on whether the country has enough fuel reserves to avoid a full-blown crisis, especially as fears of shortages continue to spread in different parts of the country.
The parliamentary summons comes at a critical moment when motorists across Kenya are already feeling the impact of the supply disruption.
Long queues have become common at many petrol stations as drivers rush to fill their tanks amid uncertainty over how long the available stocks will last.
In several towns, some stations have already started displaying “No Fuel” notices, while others are rationing the little stock they still have.
In Nairobi, many petrol stations are still operating, but dealers are increasingly warning that their remaining stocks may only sustain them for a few more days if deliveries do not improve soon.
This has heightened fears that the capital could soon face a serious shortage if the situation is not addressed urgently.
Fuel retailers say deliveries have slowed down significantly over the past few days, making it difficult for them to meet the sharp rise in demand.
Panic buying by motorists has worsened the pressure, with many choosing to refuel early over fears that stations could run dry without notice.
As the shortage deepens, some petrol stations have reportedly shifted to selling only high-octane fuel, which is more expensive and now retailing at around KSh 200 per litre.
This sharp increase has added to the burden on ordinary Kenyans who are already struggling with the high cost of living and transport expenses.
The controversy has also intensified political pressure on Wandayi, with critics questioning his leadership and demanding accountability over the procurement of the disputed fuel consignment.
The shipment is said to have been imported outside the official G-to-G arrangement and at a significantly higher cost, a move that investigators believe may have exposed consumers to unnecessary price increases.
Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale has been among the most vocal leaders calling for firm action, insisting that the Energy CS must either resign, be dismissed, or face possible legal consequences if found culpable.
His remarks have added more heat to an already tense political atmosphere surrounding the scandal.
Meanwhile, several petrol stations across the country continue to report low stocks, and the uncertainty has left many businesses and transport operators worried about possible disruptions in the coming days if supply chains are not restored quickly.
At the same time, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has come out in defence of Wandayi and Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui, urging the public to allow investigations to proceed without political interference.
The party has maintained that anyone found responsible for wrongdoing should face the full force of the law, but cautioned against rushing to condemn officials before the probe is complete.
The appearance before Parliament is now expected to be a defining moment in the scandal, as Kenyans wait to hear whether the government can restore confidence in the fuel supply system and prevent the crisis from worsening further.
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