Opiyo Wandayi Under Fire as Sh4bn Fuel Scandal Sparks Resignation Calls

Energy Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi has come under sharp scrutiny, with mounting questions over his possible awareness of the alleged diversion of substandard fuel worth approximately KSh4 billion into the local market.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, on X has argued that, given Wandayi’s position, he either knew about the incident or ought to have known.

Khalwale maintained that if the CS was aware, he should face immediate legal action over possible criminal liability.

He added that if Wandayi was unaware, he should take political responsibility by resigning or be dismissed over what he termed as gross incompetence.

“He knew or ought to have known about the diversion of condemned fuel worth KSh4 billion by those three individuals into the Kenyan market. If he knew, he must be arrested immediately for criminal culpability."

He continued:

"If he didn’t know, he must immediately take political responsibility and resign or be sacked for gross incompetence. If the President fails to sack him due to the shenanigans of the broad-based government, then the National Assembly must exercise its constitutional mandate and impeach him,” he said. The criticism comes from Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who has questioned whether the CS was aware of the alleged diversion of substandard fuel into the Kenyan market.

Khalwale’s remarks come in the wake of a major shake-up in the petroleum sector, after President William Ruto announced the resignation of key officials linked to the scandal. Those who stepped down include Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo, and Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang.

The resignations followed investigations into a controversial fuel consignment linked to the vessel MV Paloma, which was allegedly diverted to the Port of Mombasa under unclear circumstances. Preliminary findings indicate the shipment—reportedly originating from Saudi Aramco—may have been overpriced by more than Sh4 billion and failed to meet Kenya’s fuel quality standards.

Authorities have since launched disciplinary action against other officials, even as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) continues probing the matter under the economic crimes framework.

Against this backdrop, Khalwale argues that the Energy CS cannot escape accountability.