- The Nairobi House confirmed the resignation of three top oil officials due to the oil importation scandal
- The three are accused of falsifying data on fuel reserves, leading to irregular purchases of substandard emergency transport.
- The government has referred the matter to investigative agencies, warning of serious economic crime and promising full accountability
The Nairobi House has acknowledged the resignation of three senior officials in the Petroleum Department.
Source: Twitter
Who resigned from the oil department?
In a statement on Saturday, April 4, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei revealed that Petroleum Secretary Mohamed Liban, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) director general Daniel Kiptoo and Kenya Pipeline PLC CEO Joe Sang have resigned.
Liban submitted his resignation letter to the President William Rutowhile Kiptoo presented his letter to EPRA’s board of directors.
Sang also submitted his letter to the KPC board.
“The Honorable President has received the letter of resignation of Mr. Mohamed Liban, Secretary General, State Department of Petroleum; The Board of Kenya Pipeline PLC (KPC PLC) has received the letter of resignation of Mr. Joe Sang as Managing Director; The Board of EPRA has received the letter of resignation of Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria,” read Koskei’s letter.
Why the Secretary General of Petroleum, EPRA and KPC bosses have resigned
The three are involved in the oil import scandal, which is currently being investigated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
According to the White House, the suspects, who have been treated as senior officials in charge of the oil supply chain, are accused of destroying data on national oil reserves.
The hoax was reportedly aimed at exploiting rising global prices and public anxiety, creating a false sense of impending shortages.
“This misrepresentation is reported to have led to the unusual purchase of an emergency fuel shipment by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum. The main actors include the Secretary General of Petroleum, the Director General of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and the CEO of the Kenya Pipeline Company,” said Koskei.
The government notes that the shipment was obtained in clear violation of the G2G system, its price being higher than the agreed rates, and ignoring the established emergency procurement procedures.
Furthermore, the shipments were of poor quality, underscoring a clear disregard for contractual and regulatory standards.
Why is the Petroleum Bureau being investigated?
For the above, they are accused of falsifying information, which is a serious breach of public trust and can be counted as an economic crime under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act of Kenya (Chapter 65) and the Penal Code (Chapter 63).
“Considering the central role of petroleum in the economy and the great public interest, the matter has been referred to investigative agencies for a thorough investigation. All stakeholders in the sector are required to provide full access to relevant information to support this investigation,” the State House added.
Source: Twitter
The State Department of Petroleum also initiated appropriate administrative action against Joseph Wafula, the deputy director of Petroleum, while the management of the Kenya Pipeline Company commenced due process against Joel Mburu, the Supply and Transport Manager.
“The government has remained steadfast in protecting the public interest and safeguarding the national interest. Any act of economic sabotage will be fully investigated and strict and decisive action will be taken against any person or entity found guilty. Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues, including administrative measures to ensure full accountability such as changing the request for irregular shipments and its compatibility with the approved G2G system,” added Koskei.
As previously reported by TUKO.co.ke, detectives arrested the officers on Thursday evening, April 2.
They were taken to the headquarters of DCI on Kiambu Road, Nairobi, for questioning before being arrested at Gigiri Police Station.
Does Kenya have enough oil?
At the same time, the administration of President William Ruto assured Kenyans that, despite the disruption of the supply chain caused by the Middle East conflict, they will be protected from the rise in global oil prices.
Minister of National Treasury John Mbadi He explained that measures such as export market diversification, targeted support, and the KSh 17 billion Oil Control Fund have been introduced to develop economic activities.
He added that Kenya is reorganizing to take advantage of new opportunities, including the greater use of Lamu Port as a regional shipping hub.
To protect consumers if the dispute spreads beyond the May-June pump price review, the government will also reassess VAT on petrol products.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
