Lobby group calls for Wandayi to step aside over fuel price hike

Fuel pump/FILE

A lobby group has called for Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi to step aside to pave the way for investigations into the fuel price hike.

The call follows the latest fuel price hike announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

In a statement, Mtetezi – the Grassroots Economic Justice Movement – said the recent increase in fuel prices has compounded the burden on Kenyans already struggling to cope with economic pressures.

The group argued that the circumstances surrounding the price adjustments, coupled with concerns about transparency and accountability in fuel pricing mechanisms, warranted an independent and credible probe.

“To uphold public trust, the Cabinet Secretary must step aside,” the statement read.

“This is not a presumption of guilt, but a standard accountability measure.”

The call adds to growing pressure on the government over rising fuel costs, which have a ripple effect on transport, food prices and overall inflation.

Mtetezi linked the current situation to what it described as systemic governance challenges within the energy sector.

The lobby group also criticised the continued reliance on the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL), terming it a short-term intervention that fails to address underlying structural issues affecting fuel pricing in the country.

Mtetezi disclosed that it has already moved to court in a case seeking ministerial accountability over alleged substandard fuel importation.

It also indicated plans to file additional public interest litigation to compel disclosure of fuel pricing frameworks and procurement processes.

In addition, the group urged investigative agencies, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), to launch comprehensive probes into the matter.

“The Kenyan public deserves full transparency on how fuel prices are determined and how public resources within the energy sector are managed,” the statement said.

On April 13, the CS dismissed calls for his resignation over alleged irregularities in fuel importation, saying there is no basis for him to step aside.

Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Energy, Wandayi said investigations into the matter are ongoing and maintained that he acted promptly upon learning of the disputed shipment.

“When all is said and done, in the final analysis, clearly there is no reason to stop me from discharging my duties as Cabinet Secretary,” he told MPs.

He said the fuel consignment in question was processed outside the government-to-government (G-to-G) arrangement, which is used to stabilise prices and cushion the country from global oil shocks.

“The approval was not sought, and if it had been sought, I would have escalated the matter to the president,” Wandayi said.

Wandayi said a multi-agency technical team had earlier flagged the need for additional fuel stocks and recommended contingency supplies.

“A brief on supply position was prepared by a multi-agency technical team that recommended consideration for contingency cargo to shore up the stocks. The brief was presented to the PS, State Department of Energy for consideration and approval,” he said.

He added that once he became aware of the shipment, he briefed President William Ruto on March 30, who then directed that a subsequent consignment be stopped.

“When we realised that the oil came outside the G-to-G, I reported to the President. It was from that brief that he directed that the next consignment be stopped,” he said.

Wandayi further said the disputed fuel would not be factored into pump price calculations and that the importer had agreed to withdraw it from the market.

He also told the committee that a waiver had been sought to allow the consignment into the country despite deviations from required specifications, adding that the matter is under investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

The CS also addressed concerns over the recent resignations of three senior officials in the energy sector, saying he was unaware of the reasons behind their exits.

“I do not know why the three officers resigned. There is no evidence that their resignation was coerced. Investigations are ongoing,” Wandayi said.