Top government officials have been arrested in connection with a suspected substandard fuel deal, a move that is already causing fresh concern in the country regarding the quality of fuel in use.
The arrested officials include Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Director General Daniel Kiptoo, and Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang.
According to reports, the officials were quietly arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations on Thursday evening and detained at Gigiri Police Station for questioning
Although officials have not given out much information regarding the case, early reports indicate that the investigation is focused on how substandard fuel was cleared for use.
The detectives are believed to be investigating how the officials allowed fuel that may not be of standard to get into circulation.
There are also suspicions of coordination between the officials, but this aspect of the case is still under investigation.
The officials could face serious charges if they are found to be guilty.
The arrests have occurred at a time when complaints from motorists have been rising, with some reporting engine problems that they suspect are linked to poor fuel quality. In the past, President William Ruto’s administration has assured Kenyans that the country has sufficient fuel to cater for all motorists for the next 30 to 40 days.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of a looming fuel shortage in the country following the escalation of the Middle East war.
