Mombas, Kenya – The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has dismissed claims of cartel infiltration in the alleged fraudulent importation of oil, terming the accusations as politically motivated and misleading.
Speaking during a press briefing in Mombasa, UDA Secretary General Omar Hassan refuted allegations by opposition leaders suggesting the involvement of top government officials in the scandal. He accused critics, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, of exploiting the issue for political gain.
“On this critical national matter, the two leaders ought to remain silent if they do not have facts,” Omar stated.
He explained that the scheme involved the importation of fuel cargoes priced between KSh 50 to 80 above the established Government-to-Government (G2G) framework, a move he warned could have triggered inflation and destabilized the economy.
Omar further called for swift investigations into the matter and urged legal action against any individuals found culpable, specifically calling for a probe into Gachagua’s alleged role.
The UDA Secretary General revealed that the government has initiated recovery proceedings targeting importers implicated in the controversial deal, following disclosures by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum that over KSh 3 billion was lost.
He emphasized that the recovery efforts are aimed at protecting taxpayers from financial losses, adding that the government is proposing punitive sanctions amounting to five times the projected loss to deter future violations.
According to Omar, funds recovered from the scheme will be redirected toward strengthening Level Six hospitals, turning the financial setback into a long-term public health investment.
The remarks come amid escalating concerns in the energy sector over a questionable procurement deal involving the alleged importation of substandard fuel, reportedly orchestrated by senior officials within the Ministry.
Omar commended the Cabinet Secretary for Energy for taking decisive action to ensure accountability.
Meanwhile, several senior officials have resigned and are currently in police custody, including former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohammed Liban, former Kenya Pipeline Corporation Managing Director Joe Sang, and Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo.
The trio, alongside another ministry official, is accused of facilitating the importation of substandard fuel while bypassing the government’s existing G2G agreement with Saudi Arabian firms, further deepening the controversy surrounding the sector.
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