NAIROBI, Kenya- Energy Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, EPRA Director-General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, and KPC Managing Director Joe Sang are among top government officials who have been questioned by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) amid a probe into a possible artificial fuel shortage.
A senior petroleum department official, identified as Simon Wafula, was also detained, as investigators examine claims of interference within Kenya’s petroleum supply chain.
Authorities conducted searches at the officials’ residences, recovering documents and undisclosed sums of money as part of the inquiry.
The probe centers on a government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel shipment suspected of failing quality standards, specifically higher-than-allowed sulphur levels, which made it non-compliant with Kenyan regulations.
A KPC quality assurance manager reportedly refused to authorize the consignment’s release, sparking disagreements that eventually drew the attention of investigators.
“The operation was carried out on Thursday night,” a senior government official who sought anonymity told Y News.
Expanded Investigation
Sources indicate that the DCI is seeking additional officials for questioning as the probe continues into potential manipulation of fuel distribution and supply processes.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Kenya’s fuel stocks remain adequate, with roughly 16 days of petrol, 19 days of diesel, and 49 days of jet fuel and kerosene.
These reserves are expected to cover immediate demand until new shipments arrive in April.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi confirmed that the current fuel pricing cycle will largely remain unaffected, as most of the stock was delivered before recent global tensions escalated.
However, he cautioned that sustained geopolitical instability in the Middle East could push prices higher in upcoming cycles.
The government plans to use Sh17 billion from the Petroleum Stabilization Fund and may consider tax adjustments to help mitigate the impact on consumers.
