Orange Democratic Movement leader Oburu Odinga has rejected calls for the resignation of trade and energy cabinet secretaries, saying due process must guide accountability in the ongoing fuel scandal.
Speaking during a radio interview on Sunday, 19 April 2026, Oburu said demands for the removal of Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi were premature.
He warned that political pressure should not override formal investigative processes, noting that leaders should only step aside if there is credible evidence linking them to wrongdoing.
“We are not shielding anybody, but resignation is not the point. If investigations find that they are culpable, then they will be mentioned,” Oburu said.
He added that politicians are not mandated to investigate or determine culpability, cautioning against what he described as politicising accountability.
Opposition pressure grows
Oburu remarks come amid mounting pressure from opposition leaders who have demanded the resignation of the two cabinet secretaries over the fuel importation saga.
On 15 April 2026, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua called for the officials to step aside to allow investigations to proceed without interference.
He accused Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi of misleading the National Assembly and demanded his resignation and prosecution.
Gachagua also called for the resignation of Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui, alleging complicity in the scandal.
The opposition maintains that stepping aside is necessary to restore public confidence and ensure transparency in the investigations.
However, Oburu insisted that forcing officials out of office without findings from investigative authorities could set a dangerous precedent.
He referenced governance practices during former President Mwai Kibaki administration, where public officials stepped aside only after being adversely mentioned by investigative agencies.
“You do not drag somebody name politically simply because they hold office. If their name has not been mentioned by investigative authorities, then forcing them out is not justified,” he said.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of rising fuel prices that have heightened public scrutiny of the energy sector.
On 14 April 2026, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced new fuel prices effective from 15 April 2026 to 14 May 2026.
In Nairobi, Super Petrol now retails at KSh197.60, Diesel at KSh196.63 and Kerosene at KSh152.78.
The regulator said the revised prices followed a directive by the National Treasury to reduce VAT on petroleum products from 13% to 8% under a legal notice dated 15 April 2026.
Despite the tax adjustment, fuel prices remain high, adding to public frustration and intensifying debate over accountability in the sector.
Analysts say the outcome of investigations into the fuel saga will play a key role in shaping public trust in government institutions and future handling of similar controversies.
