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Several high-ranking officials in Kenya’s energy sector resigned on Saturday, following allegations of data manipulation and the procurement of overpriced fuel.
President William Ruto’s office confirmed the departure of Mohamed Liban, the principal secretary for petroleum, alongside Joe Sang, the managing director of the Kenya Pipeline Company.
Additionally, Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, the director general of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, has stepped down as a formal investigation into irregularities within the nation’s petroleum supply chain begins.
The government alleges that these executives falsified fuel stock data to create a misleading impression of an impending shortage, despite existing contracts with major suppliers like Saudi Aramco and ADNOC being fully honoured.
This manufactured crisis was reportedly used to justify an emergency “emergency shipment” that was not only substandard in quality but also purchased at significantly inflated rates.
Authorities believe the move was designed to exploit public anxiety and rising global oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In addition to the high-profile resignations, administrative actions have been taken against several other officials, and investigative agencies have already carried out multiple arrests.
While the specific identities of those in custody have not yet been released and no formal charges have been filed, the presidency emphasised its commitment to purging corruption from the energy sector.
The probe comes at a sensitive time for Kenya, as the country navigates the economic pressures of a global energy crisis and seeks to stabilise its domestic fuel markets.
