NAIROBI, Kenya — In a dramatic turn in the ongoing substandard fuel scandal rocking the country’s energy sector, senior officials at key petroleum institutions have resigned following their arrest by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) during a late‑night operation linked to allegations of importing fuel that failed to meet quality standards.
Among the most prominent figures to step down is Joe Sang, the Managing Director of the state‑owned Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), who was taken into custody on suspicion of involvement in the controversial fuel consignment probe.
His resignation follows his arrest alongside other top energy chiefs as investigators scrutinise how substandard petroleum products entered Kenya’s supply chain.
Also resigning is Daniel Kiptoo, the boss of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). Authorities arrested Kiptoo late on Thursday night as part of the widening investigation into alleged irregularities in fuel importation and regulatory oversight, a probe that has attracted intense public and governmental scrutiny.
In addition, Mohammed Liban, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Petroleum, has resigned amid the scandal.
Liban was among the officials picked up by DCI detectives, marking the most significant shake‑up in Kenya’s energy governance in recent memory.
The arrests were conducted as part of a coordinated operation by DCI detectives seeking to uncover how a fuel consignment suspected of failing to meet domestic standards was cleared for delivery, despite internal warnings from quality assurance teams.
The investigation has also raised questions about potential interference in the petroleum supply chain and possible lapses in oversight by senior officials.
The resignations come as public concern grows over fuel quality and regulatory accountability, with motorists reporting issues linked to contaminated petroleum products.
Critics of the energy sector say the scandal underscores systemic weaknesses in oversight mechanisms designed to protect consumers and maintain compliance with quality benchmarks.
Investigators are continuing to question the officials and pursue additional suspects, with detectives reportedly recovering documents and other materials from searches of their homes.
Meanwhile, authorities are yet to disclose whether formal charges will be filed, and whether further resignations or dismissals might follow as the probe expands.
The fallout from the substandard fuel saga has added pressure on the government to strengthen regulatory systems and restore public confidence in Kenya’s energy governance at a time when fuel supply and quality remain critical national concerns.
