Energy CS warns that cartels influence will soon end as State moves to restore order and protect consumers
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has declared a firm crackdown on powerful cartels in the petroleum sector, warning that their influence will soon come to an end as the government moves to restore order and protect consumers.
Speaking on Wednesday, amid growing concerns in the sector, Wandayi revealed that there are very powerful, dangerous, and entrenched cartels in the oil industry.
He emphasised that the current administration is determined to dismantle these networks once and for all. He noted that the challenges currently being witnessed in the sector are not accidental but rather a calculated pushback from individuals and groups resisting reforms.
“The small issue you are hearing is a fight back by those cartels, and they must get to understand that their time is over and we are going to deal with them,” he said.
According to the CS, President William Ruto has already issued firm instructions to address the situation decisively, with a focus on ensuring fairness and transparency in the petroleum supply chain.
“What you are seeing or hearing is basically a fight-back by those cartels. They must understand that their time is over,” Wandayi stated, adding that the government will not bow to pressure or intimidation from industry players seeking to maintain control.
He warned that the cartels have grown so influential that they now attempt to shape public discourse and derail reform efforts.
“They are so daring that they don’t want to hear anything about reforms and fair play in the sector.”
However, he insisted that the administration remain steadfast.
“Under the guidance of the President, your days are numbered,” he said.
Wandayi reassured Kenyans that the petroleum sector remains stable and that the government’s primary focus is safeguarding the interests of wananchi.
“The petroleum sector is stable, and the interests of wananchi will be taken care of,” he affirmed.
Wandayi has been in the eye of the storm in the ongoing fuel importation probe but has since dismissed mounting pressure to resign over the controversial importation of fuel outside the government-to-government (G-to-G) framework, maintaining that there is no basis for him to step aside.
Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Energy on Monday, Wandayi defended his role in the unfolding saga, saying investigations are ongoing and insisting he acted promptly upon learning of the irregular shipment.
“When all is said and done, in the final analysis, clearly there is no reason to stop me from discharging my duties as Cabinet Secretary,” he told MPs.
The CS said the consignment in question was processed outside the established G-to-G arrangement, which the government has relied on to stabilise prices and shield the country from global oil market shocks.
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