- On Tuesday, April 7, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) issued a serious statement regarding the ongoing dispute over substandard oil imports.
- In the statement, Oburu Oginga explained that the call for the Minister of Energy Opiyo Wandayi and his business colleague to resign was premature
- The Siaya senator explained the circumstances in which the controversial Energy Minister will resign from his post
Nairobi – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced its position on the KSh 4.8 billion oil scandal.
Source: Facebook
In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, April 7, ODM leader Oburu Oginga defended the Minister of Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi and his business colleague Lee Kinyanjui after both were linked to the importation of substandard fuel into the country.
Why did Oburu defend Opiyo Wandayi?
The ODM leader warned the people against attacking Wandayi while the investigation into the scandal continues, saying that the Minister of Energy is not an accounting officer of the ministry.
According to Oburu, attempts to “publicly judge” ministers and officials who are not directly involved in the management of the finances could disrupt the ongoing investigation.
“An attempt to publicly judge ministers Lee Kinyanjui and Opiyo Wandayi, who are not accounting officers, as some leaders are trying to do, will end up disrupting the investigation and turning this scandal into a political one as is the custom of us Kenyans,” Oburu said.
When should Opiyo Wandayi resign?
According to Oburu, if the investigation finds the ministers guilty, then they must be ready to take responsibility for their actions.
“However, if a professional investigation will place responsibility on their actions then there should be no untouchable people. ODM takes a firm and unwavering position that every public official who is found guilty, regardless of rank, office or political orientation, must be held fully accountable. The fight against corruption cannot be selective, it must be thorough, neutral and unrelenting,” the party said.
Oburu said ODM stands firm with Kenyans in demanding justice, transparency, and the full return of any resources lost through the scandal.
“We would like to emphasize that the fight against corruption is the main pillar of the 10-point agenda of ODM-UDA. The weight this administration will put in fighting this evil will be the true measure of its commitment to integrity, responsibility and good governance. Kenyans expect—and deserve—nothing less than that,” he said.
How is Opiyo Wandayi linked to the oil scandal?
Oburu’s statement comes after the two ministers were implicated in the ongoing investigation into the Sh 4.8 billion oil scandal that led to the arrest and resignation of three energy sector bosses.
The investigation took a new turn after leaked letters relating to the controversial oil importation approval emerged, focusing attention on Kinyanjui and Wandayi.
The leaked letters, which are linked to the controversial oil importation approval, revealed how the multi-billion shilling scheme was facilitated.
A senior official of the Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) with knowledge of the investigation revealed that Wandayi and Kinyanjui will be required to explain what they know about the scandal.
An apology letter dated March 28 from a business colleague shows that Wandayi’s office was the main target, not just copied.
Its General Secretary (PS), Mohammed Liban, signed a request to KEBS to be granted an exemption from the carcinogenic parameters—gasoline, manganese and sulphur—and it was copied to Wandayi.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
