Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has leveled explosive allegations against the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing the government of orchestrating a massive fuel scandal.
Speaking on behalf of the United Alternative Government, Gachagua linked the recent price hikes to deep-seated irregularities within the nation’s petroleum importation framework. The coalition explicitly named President William Ruto as the central figure in the alleged scheme, alongside Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, and Senate Energy Committee Chairperson Oburu Odinga.
Gachagua claimed that President Ruto personally vetoed a decision by former Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) and EPRA officials regarding emergency fuel imports to facilitate this arrangement. He argued that while three international firms officially handle the government-to-government (G2G) deal, a small group of high-ranking officials and specific local companies actually control the operation behind the scenes.
“The three international companies in the G2G deal supply and distribute through six local oil marketing companies, but what was hidden from the public was the real culprits of this scandal. The team leaders are William Ruto, Felix Koskei (Head of Public Service), CS Opiyo Wandayi, and a local company,” Gachagua claimed.
Dubai Meetings, Secret Deals, and KSh5 Per Litre Shocker
The former deputy president further alleged that on the nights of April 5 and 6, the president sent a high-level delegation to renegotiate pricing with international oil suppliers. This group reportedly included CS Wandayi and Acting EPRA CEO Eng. Joseph Oketje, working alongside Gulf Energy. Gachagua characterized Gulf Energy as a “proxy” for the president, acting as the primary agent in these high-stakes negotiations.
He specifically pointed to these secret meetings as the reason for CS Wandayi’s recent absence from Parliament. Gachagua alleged that while lawmakers sought answers, the Cabinet secretary was in Dubai finalizing a new pricing structure designed to incorporate profit margins for the president.
Gachagua escalated his criticism of the latest fuel price changes, alleging that President Ruto personally benefits from the revised pricing structure. He claimed the Head of State earns KSh5 from every liter of fuel consumed in Kenya.
Using the April 14, 2026 price adjustments, where petrol increased by KSh28.69 and diesel by KSh40.30, Gachagua argued that the arrangement generates about KSh2.5 billion from the 500 million liters allocated for regional consumption. He also alleged that since the government-to-government (G2G) fuel deal began, the President has accumulated up to KSh30 billion in personal profit.
Gachagua Demands Action
In response, Gachagua pushed for sweeping fiscal reforms, urging the government to abandon the proposed KSh5 trillion National Infrastructure Fund (NIF). He instead proposed that authorities sell equity in Safaricom PLC and Kenya Pipeline Company to cushion citizens from the rising cost of fuel.
“Following the April 14, 2026, price adjustment, Mr. William Ruto will earn a profit of KSh5 for every liter consumed by the people of Kenya,” Gachagua stated. “This is the equivalent of KSh2.5 billion from the 500 million liters to be supplied for the region’s consumption.”
The United Opposition also presented a list of what it termed “irreducible minimums” aimed at delivering immediate relief to taxpayers. The coalition called for the suspension of the road maintenance levy, including reversing the recent increase from KSh18 to KSh25 per liter. It also urged the government to halt the 3 percent affordable housing levy and to stop what it described as punitive NSSF deductions, which it claims fund single-source infrastructure projects.
Additionally, the opposition demanded that Parliament remove the value-added tax entirely from petroleum products.
Gachagua maintained that these interventions are necessary to dismantle what he described as a system that exploits the public for private gain.
“Resign Now”
The United Alternative Government also called for the resignation of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and his trade counterpart Lee Kinyanjui over the fuel importation saga.
“We unequivocally demand the resignation and prosecution of the minister for energy and petroleum, Mr. Opiyo Wandayi, for the fuel scandal and lying under oath to the National Assembly committee,” Gachagua demanded.
“We also demand the resignation of Lee Kinyanjui for being complicit and for being part of the scandal,” he added.
The United Opposition threatened that it would escalate its response if Ruto fails to act, signaling the possibility of new measures aimed at forcing government intervention.
“If there is no action taken on the part of William Ruto, we shall announce further measures to the people of Kenya to force William Ruto and the National Assembly to act in the best interest of the people of Kenya,” the United Opposition warned.
