Fuel import fiasco: ODM pushes back on calls to fire CSs Wandayi, Kinyanjui

ODM party leader Oburu Odinga./FILE

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has defended Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi (Energy) and Lee Kinyanjui (Trade) over calls to have them fired due to the petroleum importation fiasco.

ODM has warned against what it termed as the “public lynching” of the two CSs, saying they may have had little role in the scandal since they are not accounting officers.

“Attempts at public lynching of Cabinet Secretaries Lee Kinyanjui and Opiyo Wandayi, who are not accounting officers, as some leaders are attempting, will only derail the investigations and politicise the scam,” the party said in a statement.

The statement, signed by party leader Oburu Oginga, however, said that should investigations find the two CSs culpable, they must be ready to account for their actions.

“However, should professional investigations place responsibility on their actions, then there must be no sacred cows,” Oburu said.

He added: “ODM takes the firm and unequivocal position that every public officer found culpable—regardless of their rank, office, or political persuasion—must be held fully accountable. The fight against corruption cannot be selective; it must be comprehensive, impartial, and relentless.”

There have been calls for the two cabinet secretaries to step down over the fuel scam following last week’s arrest of top officials and their subsequent resignation, but ODM says the war on graft cannot be won through public name-calling.

“This is a time when the nation must close ranks and support the full and unapologetic slaying of the dragon of graft—not scoring points through public rallies, pressers, and name-calling but giving encouragement and creating room for full and impartial investigations and subjecting the culprits to justice.”

Oburu said ODM stands firmly with the people of Kenya in demanding justice, transparency, and the full recovery of any resources lost through the scandal.

“We wish to reiterate that the fight against corruption is a central pillar of the ODM–UDA 10-point agenda. The seriousness with which this administration confronts this vice will be the true measure of its commitment to integrity, accountability, and good governance. The Kenyan people expect—and deserve—nothing less,” he stated.

Among those who resigned are Petroleum PS Mohamed Liban, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) MD Joe Sang, and Ministry of Energy Deputy Director Joseph Wafula.

Oburu said ODM commends investigative authorities for their swift action in initiating enquiries into the matter, adding that such promptness sends a strong signal that the era of complacency in the face of corruption must come to an end.

“We further commend His Excellency the President for ensuring that these investigations proceed in a professional, expeditious, and transparent manner, free from interference or favouritism,” the ODM statement added.