Senator Ledama Links CS Wandayi to Ksh 4.8 Billion Fuel Scandal, Demands Prosecutions

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has accused Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi of being aware of a controversial Ksh 4.8 billion fuel importation deal involving substandard fuel.

The senator claimed that senior officials in the Ministry of Energy, including the CS, were involved in approving the importation of fuel outside the government-to-government (G-to-G) framework.

In a statement dated Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Olekina said he had seen email exchanges between ministry officials and Oryx Energies, which suggested there was an agreement to import fuel at a much higher price than the government rate.

“I sat in the committee room reading emails between Oryx Energy Ltd and Ministry of Energy officials, including the Cabinet Secretary, and I was shocked,” he said. “They agreed to import fuel at USD 253.94 per metric tonne, while the government imports at USD 84. This looks like an artificial scheme to make money.”

Senator Ledama Olekina Calls for Prosecutions of Energy Officials

He added that even after the deal was cancelled, a shipment of substandard fuel imported by One Petroleum Limited was allowed into the country at a higher cost.

Ole Kina blamed what he called a fuel cartel for fixing and controlling fuel prices and called for criminal charges against everyone involved.

“Mr President William Ruto, how can the Ministry buy fuel at over USD 250 per metric tonne and expect prices to remain low?” he posed. “Kenyans need real prosecutions, not resignations without action.”

He further claimed the deal bypassed quality checks by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), putting vehicles and the environment at risk.

The senator questioned why One Petroleum was allowed to import fuel before receiving proper approval, while other suppliers were sidelined.

“These actions look like deliberate sabotage of standards and pricing. Kenyans deserve full disclosure on who approved this deal,” he said.

His remarks come shortly after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) increased fuel prices, with petrol rising by up to Ksh 28 per litre and diesel by about Ksh 40, further burdening consumers.

Also Read: EPRA Raises Fuel Prices: Petrol Up Ksh 28, Diesel Ksh 40 for April–May Cycle

Wandayi Denies Involvement

However, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi has denied any involvement in the scandal.

Appearing before the National Assembly’s Energy Committee, chaired by David Gikaria on April 13, 2026, Wandayi said the fuel importation was approved without his knowledge.

“The approval of the CS was not sought,” he said. “The procurement was recommended by a technical committee and approved by the then Principal Secretary, Mohamed Liban in his wisdom.”

Also Read: CS Wandayi Responds to Resignation Calls Over KSh 4.8 Billion Fuel Scandal

Wandayi explained that if the matter had reached him, he would have referred it to the Cabinet and the President because any changes to the G-to-G system require higher approval.

He said he only learned about the deal later and took action, including briefing President William Ruto, who ordered the cancellation of a second shipment. He also directed that the fuel be re-exported and invoices withdrawn.

The CS rejected calls for his resignation, saying investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) would clear him.

“There is no reason for me to step aside. I will continue to serve,” he said.

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Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi speaking during the signing of an MoU between the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) and KENGEN for nuclear power development in Kenya on December 1 ,2025. PHOTO. Wandayi X.