Communications Centre, Charles Owino, has defended Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi from remarks of involvement in the Ksh4.8 billion fuel shipment outside the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) framework.
Speaking on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, during an interview with a local media house, the former Police Spokesperson explained why CS Wandayi could be telling the truth about not being aware of the scandal.
Owino explained instances that may have distanced the CS from the procurement breach, saying that procurement can be undertaken by the Chief Executive Officer, hence the Energy Minister may not be aware of the activity.
At the same time, while defending the Energy boss, Owino deliberated on Wandayi’s move to inform President William Ruto when he found out the fuel consignment was imported irregularly.
“It is possible, as a minister, that procurement can be undertaken by CEOs, and you may not be aware. If CS Wandayi reported his team to the President, it suggests he was not part of the deal,” Owino said.
Further explaining that had Wandayi been part of the deal, chances are high that he would have informed the head of state.
“If he had been, the reporting would likely have come differently. He can take administrative responsibility, even if he was not part of the deal,” Owino
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, has distanced himself from the fuel scandal, saying he was not aware.
Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Energy on Monday, April 13, 2026, the Energy CS Wandayi dismissed resignation calls following the Ksh4.8 billion fuel shipment outside the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) framework.
“There is no reason to stop me from continuing to discharge my duties as cabinet Secretary,” he told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy on Monday.
According to Wandayi, the procurement of the vessel that shipped the controversial consignment importation was approved by former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban following a recommendation by a technical committee, and a brief on stock position and proposals that were prepared and forwarded to the PS.
“The PS in his wisdom did approve it,” Wandayi stated.
The CS said he took the necessary steps, including informing President William Ruto when he found out the fuel consignment was imported irregularly.
“I personally moved swiftly and briefed His Excellency the President on the 30th of March, when it became very clear now that this consignment was outside G-to-G. It is upon that brief that actually His Excellency advised me to take the necessary steps to have the second cargo, which was en route, stopped,” he told the committee.
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