Kenya top investigative agency has arrested four senior government officials in connection with an alleged substandard fuel importation scandal, raising fresh concerns over fuel quality and regulatory oversight.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations confirmed the arrest of Energy Principal Secretary Liban Mohamed, Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang, and Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Director General Daniel Kiptoo. Also detained was an official identified as Simon Wafula.
The officials were taken in for questioning on Thursday evening and later held at Gigiri Police Station after interrogation at DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road in Nairobi.
Authorities have not released full details of the case, but investigators are focusing on procurement processes, supply chains and possible collusion within the sector.
Investigators probe fuel supply chain
Sources familiar with the probe say detectives are examining how allegedly substandard fuel entered the Kenyan market and whether established procedures were bypassed.
The investigation is expected to review documentation tied to fuel imports, testing protocols and regulatory approvals. If wrongdoing is established, the officials could face charges including abuse of office.
The arrests come amid mounting complaints from motorists about fuel quality, including reports of engine damage linked to contaminated petroleum products.
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority has previously maintained that strict compliance measures are in place to safeguard fuel standards. However, the latest developments have cast doubt on the regulator ability to enforce those safeguards effectively.
The unfolding scandal comes at a sensitive time for Kenya energy sector, with fears of supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East affecting global oil markets.
Government officials have sought to reassure the public that fuel supplies remain stable in the short term. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said on 2 April that the country has sufficient stock to last between 30 and 40 days.
According to official figures, current reserves stand at 16 days for petrol, 19 days for diesel, and 49 days for jet fuel and kerosene. Authorities expect additional shipments to arrive later in April to ease pressure on supply.
The government has also pledged to release billions of shillings to cushion consumers from rising fuel costs, though officials say the support will be temporary.
The arrests have intensified scrutiny of Kenya energy institutions, with analysts warning that public confidence in fuel quality and oversight mechanisms could be at risk.
As investigations continue, attention is likely to remain on whether systemic failures allowed substandard fuel into the market and what reforms may be needed to prevent a repeat.
