Opiyo Wandayi, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, has been drawn into the ongoing KSh 4.8 billion fuel import scandal (sometimes called the petrol waiver or substandard fuel scandal) that erupted in early April 2026. He has not been arrested or charged. Nonetheless, leaked documents, public pressure, and political calls have placed him under scrutiny. He is the minister overseeing the sector.
Background of the Scandal. The scandal centers on the irregular importation of two petroleum consignments. The total is about 128,000 tonnes or roughly 68 million liters in the first shipment. Key allegations include:
- Senior officials allegedly falsified domestic fuel reserves. They created an artificial shortage to incite panic. This justified an “emergency” procurement outside the standard Government-to-Government (G-to-G) framework.
- Substandard or adulterated fuel — The imported fuel was allegedly off-spec. It was below Kenyan quality standards. There are reports of it being “condemned” or diverted into the market.
- Financial loss — Kenya lost about KSh 2.9 billion on the first shipment (procured at over three times the normal price). A second similar shipment (which has caused another KSh 2.9 billion loss) was halted after investigations began.
- Involvement of officials — Four senior figures were arrested. These figures include former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban. Another is Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) MD Joe Sang. Additionally, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo and Deputy Director of Petroleum Joseph Wafula are included. All three top officials resigned shortly after.
The deal reportedly exploited global supply issues (linked to Middle East tensions) to bring in non-compliant fuel. How Opiyo Wandayi Is Linked Wandayi’s alleged participation or knowledge stems mainly from his role as the overseeing Cabinet Secretary and from leaked official letters that surfaced around April 5-6, 2026:
- A letter dated March 28 from Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui to Wandayi recommended a waiver for importing the petroleum products. This bypassed normal quality or standards requirements. The letters were reportedly copied to or involved coordination between the Trade and Energy ministries.
- Documents suggest the irregular approvals and waivers not have proceeded without approval at the CS level in Energy. There was also awareness at the CS level. Critics argue the paper trail implicates Wandayi directly in authorizing or failing to block the waivers and emergency import.
- As the minister in charge of the Energy docket, he oversees EPRA, KPC, and petroleum imports. He is accused of either complicity by knowing about the substandard fuel and waivers. Alternatively, he faces accusations of gross negligence by failing to supervise his ministry and agencies.
Some reports frame it as a “petrol waiver scandal.” Wandayi is at the center because the waivers for standards or emergency procedures fell under his ministry’s purview.
Wandayi’s Response and Defense On April 5, 2026, Wandayi issued a public statement breaking his first silence:
- He confirmed the loss of KSh 2.9 billion on the irregular first cargo.
- He stated that his ministry stopped the second cargo from docking at Mombasa Port once investigations started, preventing further loss.
- He assured Kenyans that fuel supplies stay secure and of acceptable quality, with the “fake fuel threat contained.”
- He warned against “political disinformation” and “politicization” of the probe, urging patience while investigations (by DCI and others) continue.
- He described the matter as involving manipulation by officials under his watch. He positioned himself as acting to protect public interest once alerted.
Supporters claim Wandayi played a role in exposing or stopping the scam. A waiver appeal copied to him prompted alarms and investigations. Public and Political Reaction
- Prominent figures like Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale are calling for immediate action. They have demanded Wandayi’s sacking, arrest, and prosecution. They describe it as “gross incompetence.” Activists, clergy (e.g., in Eldoret/Uasin Gishu), and NGOs have echoed this, arguing the CS must take political responsibility as the docket head.
- Pressure is mounting on President William Ruto to act (fire him or let him step aside).
- The scandal has widened scrutiny to both Energy and Trade CSs. Authenticated leaked letters will shift the probe toward the ministers.
As of April 6-7, 2026, Wandayi remains in office. Investigations are ongoing, and it is unclear if he will face formal questioning or charges. No court has ruled on his involvement. He denies wrongdoing. He frames the issue as the actions of rogue officials.
