I Will Not Resign, CS Wandayi Declares Amid Public Pressure Over Fuel Importation Investigation

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has firmly rejected growing calls for his resignation following controversy surrounding the importation of fuel outside the government-to-government (G-to-G) framework.

Speaking before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Energy, Wandayi maintained that he has done nothing wrong and sees no reason to step aside. He insisted that investigations into the matter are still ongoing and that due process should be allowed to take its course.

“There is no reason to stop me from continuing to discharge my duties,” Wandayi told Members of Parliament during the heated session.

The controversy revolves around a fuel consignment that was reportedly imported outside the established G-to-G arrangement, a system the government uses to stabilize fuel prices and protect Kenyans from global market shocks. Wandayi clarified that the shipment did not receive approval from his office.

According to him, had the request been brought to his attention, he would have escalated it to President William Ruto for guidance.

Wandayi explained that the process began with a multi-agency technical team that identified a possible shortage and recommended the importation of additional fuel as a contingency measure. However, the approval process did not follow the required procedures.

He further revealed that upon discovering the irregular shipment, he immediately briefed President Ruto on March 30. Following this, the President directed that any further consignments under similar arrangements be halted.

“When we realized the oil came outside the G-to-G framework, I reported to the President, who ordered the next shipment to be stopped,” Wandayi said.

The CS also assured Kenyans that the disputed fuel would not affect pump prices. He noted that the importer had agreed to withdraw the consignment from the market.

Meanwhile, the matter has been handed over to investigative authorities, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) now probing the issue.

Wandayi also addressed concerns over the sudden resignation of three senior officials in the energy sector. He stated that he was unaware of the reasons behind their exits and denied any form of coercion.

“I do not know why the officers resigned. There is no evidence of coercion,” he said.

As scrutiny over fuel procurement continues, pressure is mounting from political leaders demanding accountability. However, Wandayi remains confident that investigations will clear his name and reaffirm his position.

The unfolding saga has raised fresh questions about transparency and oversight within Kenya’s energy sector.