Fuel Sector Under Fire as Ndindi Nyoro Alleges “Patronage Cabal” in Government-to-Government Deal

Fresh allegations have emerged over the management of Kenya’s fuel sector, with Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro claiming that powerful interests within government are using the system to benefit a select few rather than ordinary citizens.

In a strongly worded statement, Nyoro criticised key players in the energy sector, including regulators and state agencies, arguing that their actions have “very little to do with the welfare of Kenyans” and instead serve entrenched business interests.

At the centre of the claims is the controversial Government-to-Government (G2G) fuel importation arrangement. According to Nyoro, the program, initially introduced to stabilise fuel supply and prices, has evolved into what he described as a closed network of influence and control.

“G2G is basically a business… a business entrenched in patronage. It is a business done by the same people in government,” said Nyoro.

The lawmaker further alleged that a single company dominates a significant share of fuel imports—reportedly handling up to 75 per cent of supply—while also being involved in upstream activities such as oil exploration in Turkana. He claimed this overlap is not coincidental but rather indicative of a coordinated system of influence stretching across the entire petroleum value chain.

“These are the same people who are exploiting our fuel resources in Turkana… by taking advantage of our country and misusing power,” he added.

The remarks come at a time when Kenyans continue to grapple with fluctuating fuel prices and concerns over supply stability. Nyoro accused the leadership of failing to prioritise public welfare, instead allegedly leveraging the crisis to deepen personal and political interests within the sector.

“It is very insensitive that when other countries are dealing with how to alleviate fuel challenges… in Kenya, the leadership is taking this crisis as a way of entrenching their personal interests,” he said.

The allegations also extend to proposed legislative changes currently before Parliament. Nyoro claimed that a bill under consideration could grant special economic zone status to certain companies involved in the fuel sector, potentially allowing them to operate with significant tax exemptions.

Critics argue that such measures, if passed, could further concentrate power and profits in the hands of a few, while reducing government revenue and limiting benefits to the wider population.

The government has yet to respond to the claims officially. However, the accusations are likely to intensify scrutiny of the G2G framework and broader fuel management policies.

As the debate unfolds, Kenyans are being urged to closely monitor developments in the energy sector, particularly amid ongoing concerns over fuel shortages and rising costs.

The allegations come amid a widening fuel importation scandal that has already triggered high-level resignations within the energy sector, following President William Ruto's action.

According to a statement from the Office of the President signed by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang, and Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Director General Daniel Kiptoo stepped down amid ongoing investigations.

Authorities have also initiated disciplinary action against other officials, even as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) probes the alleged procurement and distribution of substandard fuel linked to a controversial shipment aboard the vessel MV Paloma, which was diverted to the Port of Mombasa under unclear circumstances despite being destined for Angola.

Preliminary findings indicate the consignment—believed to have originated from Saudi Aramco—may have been overpriced by more than KSh4 billion and failed to meet required fuel quality standards, raising concerns over financial losses and risks to consumers as investigations continue.