Wandayi Skips Parliament as Sh11.8B “Dirty Petrol” Probes Intensify
The National Assembly’s Energy Committee expressed sharp disappointment after Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi failed to appear for a high-stakes hearing on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Lawmakers are demanding answers regarding an irregular Sh11.8 billion super petrol importation that has left the country vulnerable to an environmental and mechanical disaster. The committee has issued a final ultimatum, giving the CS until next Tuesday to present a comprehensive report on the scandal that has already seen several high-ranking officials exit their posts.
At the heart of the probe is One Petroleum Ltd, which allegedly imported 60,000 metric tonnes of super petrol outside the state-negotiated Government-to-Government (G-to-G) framework. The consignment, delivered via the vessel MV Paloma, was reportedly priced at a staggering 41% premium—costing Sh198,000 per metric tonne compared to the G-to-G rate of Sh140,000. This price gap alone threatened to hike pump prices by Sh14 per litre, prompting the government to order the firm to withdraw the shipment. Preliminary quality tests by Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) officials revealed that the petrol contains elevated sulphur and heavy metal levels, far exceeding Kenyan safety standards. Because this high-sulphur fuel has already mixed with existing stocks in the pipeline, it cannot be easily removed, sparking widespread fear among motorists over potential engine damage.
The scandal has already triggered a major purge within the energy sector. Following a directive from the Head of Public Service, top officials including Petroleum PS Mohamed Liban, KPC Managing Director Joe Sang, and EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria have been compelled to step aside. Parallel to the corruption probe, EPRA has launched an aggressive nationwide crackdown to combat artificial fuel shortages. Despite official data confirming that the country maintains sufficient stocks to last through the month, certain oil marketers have been accused of hoarding products to engineer a crisis. EPRA has warned that any company found withholding products faces severe penalties, including fines of up to Sh10 million or the permanent revocation of their operating licenses.
The digital space erupted in a mix of fury and political analysis as the news of Wandayi’s absence trended. Many users accused the government of “selective accountability,” noting that while technocrats like Joe Sang were quick to be sacrificed, political figures remain shielded by the “broad-based” government alliance. Prominent influencers questioned how a Sh11.8 billion deal could bypass ministerial oversight, with many using the hashtag #FuelCartels to demand Wandayi’s resignation.
Motorists expressed specific anxiety over the “dirty fuel” report, with some tweeting photos of their car manuals and warning others to avoid certain stations until the “pipeline mix” is resolved. Meanwhile, supporters of the opposition-government pact urged for calm, arguing that the CS deserves a fair hearing before being judged by the “court of public opinion.” The prevailing sentiment, however, remains one of deep mistrust, as Kenyans grapple with the prospect of both damaged engines and inflated pump prices.