Nairobi, Kenya — President William Ruto has vowed a strict clampdown on oil cartels in Kenya’s petroleum sector, as investigations into an alleged fuel shortage intensify. The President warned that any individual or network found guilty of manipulating fuel supply systems for personal gain will face decisive action, with no immunity. “These cartels in the energy sector will not be allowed to operate freely. They will not escape accountability, “he.
The President’s remarks coincide with the ongoing probe by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) into allegations that senior officials in the energy sector falsified national fuel stock data, creating a manufactured supply crisis. Authorities are investigating procurement approvals, fuel importation records, and internal reporting systems as part of the expanding investigation.
The developments have prompted high — level resignations and arrests within key energy institutions. Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang, and Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo resigned following allegations of manipulating national fuel stock data. Chief of Staff Felix Koskei said preliminary findings indicate the officials falsified in-country fuel stock levels, creating panic and an impression of an impending fuel supply crisis.
According to Koskei, the manipulated data was used to justify emergency fuel procurement outside the established Government — to-Government (G2G) framework, leading to a shipment that was allegedly overpriced and of substandard quality. The emergency shipment was procured in a breach of the G2G framework, Koskei stated.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing, with authorities expected to review procurement processes, fuel import documentation, and internal data reporting systems across key energy agencies. The developments follow a broader crackdown within the energy sector, which saw several senior officials arrested on April 3. The three who resigned and Deputy Director of Petroleum Joseph Wafula were taken to DCI headquarters for questioning, although Liban was released after reportedly developing medical complications.
Investigators are probing the alleged diversion of a 60,000-metric-tonne fuel consignment that was initially destined for Angola but rerouted to the Port of Mombasa under unclear circumstances. The shipment, aboard the vessel MV Paloma, is believed to have docked in Mombasa between March 27 and March 29, 2026. Detectives suspect the cargo may have entered the Kenyan market outside the established government-to-government oil importation framework. Preliminary findings indicate the fuel originated from Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco before being sold to another international firm and allegedly redirected through a local Kenyan importer.
Source: allafrica
