Kenya Fuel Scandal Widens with Probe into Mombasa Businessman and Sons. The KSh 4.8 billion fuel import scandal is growing fast. It is also known as the petrol waiver or substandard fuel scandal. The expansion continues rapidly as of April 7, 2026. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has now broadened its investigations. These investigations go beyond arrested government officials. They now include private sector players, specifically a prominent Mombasa-based tycoon and his family.
Latest Development: Probe into Mombasa Tycoon DCI detectives focus on Mohammed Jaffer. He is also called Mohamed Jaffer or Muhammad Jaffer. He is a Kenyan-Indian business tycoon. They are also scrutinizing his sons: Mujtaba Mohammed Jaffer, Ali Abbas Jaffer, and Mohamed Hussein Jaffer.
- The family is linked to One Petroleum Limited, a leading Kenyan oil marketing company registered in 2010. The firm operates the region’s largest independent petroleum terminus at Mombasa Port for heavy fuel oil and bulk bitumen.
- One Petroleum is at the center of the controversial first emergency cargo. The cargo, approximately 60,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit – PMS/petrol, was imported aboard the vessel MV Paloma. The vessel docked in Mombasa between March 27 and 29, 2026.
- Reports show the consignment was allegedly diverted from its original destination, Angola. It was imported outside the standard Government-to-Government (G-to-G) framework with Gulf suppliers.
- Investigators are examining alleged collusion between senior government officials and the company for overpricing. (the cargo was reportedly procured at more than three times the normal rate, leading to a KSh 2.9 billion loss on the first shipment). possible substandard/off-spec fuel, and manipulation of fuel stock data to justify the emergency procurement.
A second similar shipment (another 60,000 tonnes) by Oryx Energies. (a Swiss-owned company) was blocked from docking at Mombasa Port after investigations began. Preventing a potential loss of nearly KSh 3 billion. DCI has recorded statements from executives linked to One Petroleum. And is preparing to summon or arrest members of the Jaffer family for questioning. Large sums of cash (hundreds of millions of shillings). were reportedly recovered during related raids on properties tied to the arrested officials. Connection to Earlier Arrests and Opiyo Wandayi.
This widening probe builds on the arrests of four senior officials:
- Former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban
- Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) MD Joe Sang
- EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo
- Deputy Director of Petroleum Joseph Wafula
All three top officials resigned shortly after arrest. Additional administrative action is being taken against others, including KPC’s supply and logistics manager Joel Mburu.Leaked letters continue to place Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi and Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui under scrutiny. A March 28 letter from Kinyanjui to Wandayi reportedly recommended waivers for quality/standards requirements. Critics argue the irregular deal could not have proceeded without high-level awareness or approval in the Energy ministry. Wandayi maintains he acted to stop the second cargo. Once alerted and has denied wrongdoing, framing it as rogue officials’ actions.
nation.co.kePublic and Political Reactions
- President William Ruto has vowed a tough crackdown on “oil cartels” and manipulation in the sector.
- Calls for Wandayi’s resignation or arrest persist. Led by figures like Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who cites gross negligence or complicity.
- Some political voices, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Have described the scandal as a “business dispute” with potential implications for fuel prices.
- The probe has exposed alleged attempts to bypass the established G-to-G import system. Raising concerns about fuel quality reaching Kenyan motorists and significant financial losses to taxpayers.
As investigations deepen, more summons, arrests, and possible charges are expected. The scandal highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in Kenya’s petroleum supply chain, from stock data integrity to emergency procurement safeguards.
