UDA Refutes Claims Linking Senior Government Officials to Fuel Scandal

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has dismissed allegations that senior government officials were involved in cartel activity tied to the ongoing controversial fuel importation scandal.

In a statement on April 6, UDA Secretary General Omar Hassan said that claims made by opposition leaders linking the government to the alleged fraudulent importation of petroleum products are misleading and politically motivated.

He urged Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro to refrain from what he described as misinformed commentary on the matter.

Hassan said the remarks by the two leaders amounted to political exploitation of a sensitive national issue and is therefore risking undermining public confidence as investigations into the scandal continue.

“On this critical national matter, their commentary has not only beendiscordant but also conspicuously superficial, betraying a troubling lack of intellectual depth and policy understanding,” Omar said.

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UDA Responds

The ruling party’s response follows claims by Gachagua that the recent arrests of senior energy sector officials were linked to disagreements surrounding the government to government (G-to-G) fuel importation arrangement.

Gachagua alleged the arrests came as a result of officials who overlooked the arrangement, claims that UDA has hereby rejected.

According to UDA, the disputed shipment involved fuel cargo priced between Ksh 50 and Ksh 80 above the prevailing G-to-G framework rates, a situation the party warned could have triggered inflationary pressure on the economy if allowed to proceed without being checked.

Assurance To Kenyans

UDA further assured Kenyans that the controversy would not lead to higher fuel prices, noting that safeguards had been put in place to maintain stability in supply and pricing as authorities continue investigations.

The developments come during wider investigations into the alleged irregularities in the petroleum supply chain that have been slowly unfolding triggering the resignation and arrest of senior officials.

This includes former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority director general Daniel Kiptoo, and Kenya Pipeline Company managing director Joe Sang.

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President Ruto Said Action Will Be Taken

President William Ruto had recently warned that individuals behind fraud activities in the oil sector would face firm action, saying that the government would not allow anyone to exploit the country through manipulation of fuel supply systems.

UDA also called for investigations into claims that were made by political leaders regarding the scandal, maintaining that accountability should be guided by evidence as investigation agencies continue looking into the matter.

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