NAIROBI, Kenya — The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has expressed strong condemnation of an emerging petroleum sector scandal, calling for swift, impartial investigations while cautioning against political interference that could derail accountability efforts.
In a statement dated April 7, ODM described the alleged scandal as a reflection of “an entrenched culture of impunity and exploitation of public resources,” warning that misconduct in the petroleum sector directly burdens Kenyans already grappling with a high cost of living.
The party, led by Oburu Oginga, welcomed the response by investigative agencies, praising what it termed as prompt action in launching inquiries.
“Such promptness sends a strong signal that the era of complacency in the face of corruption must come to an end,” the statement read, adding that investigations must proceed professionally, transparently and without favouritism.
ODM also commended President William Samoei Ruto for ensuring the probe advances without interference, framing the handling of the matter as a test of the administration’s commitment to integrity and good governance.
The party took a firm stance on accountability, insisting that any public officer found culpable must face the full force of the law, regardless of rank or political affiliation.
“The fight against corruption cannot be selective; it must be comprehensive, impartial, and relentless,” ODM said.
However, ODM cautioned against what it termed as premature political attacks on senior government officials, warning that such actions risk undermining the integrity of the investigative process.
It specifically referenced attempts by some leaders to publicly implicate Cabinet Secretaries Lee Kinyanjui and Opiyo Wandayi, noting that they are not accounting officers and should not be subjected to “public lynching” without evidence.
“Attempts at public lynching… will only derail the investigations and politicise the scam,” the party stated, while maintaining that no individual should be shielded if investigations establish culpability.
The statement situates the anti-corruption drive within the broader ODM-UDA cooperation framework, describing the fight against graft as a central pillar of the coalition’s 10-point agenda.
Under Kenya’s legal framework, including the Constitution and anti-corruption statutes enforced by agencies such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), public officials are subject to investigation and prosecution for misuse of public resources, with due process and presumption of innocence forming key safeguards.
ODM concluded by aligning itself with public demands for accountability, calling for full disclosure of facts and recovery of any misappropriated resources.
