Three top government officials in the energy sector have resigned just hours after their arrest over a controversial fuel deal.
Those who stepped down are Daniel Kiptoo, Mohamed Liban, and Joe Sang. Their exit was confirmed in a statement from State House on Saturday.
The announcement, made through a letter signed by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, said President William Rutohad received the resignations following decisions by their respective boards.
According to the statement, the three are under investigation over claims that they may have interfered with data on fuel stocks in the country.
This is believed to have led to the irregular importation of emergency fuel, going against Kenya’s government-to-government fuel supply agreement with Gulf countries.
Their resignation comes shortly after they were arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The arrests are linked to claims that substandard fuel was brought into the country and released into the market.
Investigators say the fuel was carried by a vessel known as MV Paloma, which was originally headed to Angola but was later diverted to the Port of Mombasa under unclear circumstances. The shipment is said to have come from Saudi Aramco.
Early findings suggest the fuel may have been overpriced by more than Ksh4 billion and did not meet Kenya’s quality standards. This has raised concerns about possible financial losses and risks to consumers.
In addition, the investigation process has seen disciplinary action initiated against two other officials; Deputy Director, Joseph Wafula, and Supply and Logistics Manager, Joel Mburu.
The government has reassured the Kenyan citizens that it will carry out an intensive investigation into the matter and that those found to be at fault will pay for their actions legally.
The government also said it was taking measures to rectify the irregularities in the importation of fuel and ensure that any future transactions will adhere to the set parameters.
On the other hand, there is increasing pressure being exerted on Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi over the issue.
At the Kenya Pipeline Company, Pius Mwendwa has been named Acting Managing Director after Joe Sang resigned from the post.
