DCI Arrests Top Energy Officials over Substandard Fuel Importation Probe

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Thursday night arrested three of Kenya's most senior energy sector officials, following a coordinated operation linked to the alleged importation of substandard fuel. The arrests targeted Petroleum Principal Secretary Liban Mohamed, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo, and Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang.

The operation, which involved searches of the officials' homes, resulted in the recovery of unspecified amounts of cash and various documents. Investigators are currently focused on a specific fuel consignment suspected of failing to meet the country's regulated quality standards. Reports suggest the shipment contained elevated sulphur levels that exceeded the legal limits permitted in Kenya.

According to preliminary details, the fuel in question was part of a government-to-government (G-to-G) importation arrangement. The cargo, which arrived aboard the vessel MV Paloma at the Port of Mombasa in late March, was reportedly flagged by a quality assurance officer at the Kenya Pipeline Company. This officer refused to authorize the discharge of the product into the national system after laboratory tests confirmed the quality irregularities.

Internal disagreements followed the refusal to offload the cargo, as some senior officials allegedly pressured the quality assurance team to release the fuel. This resistance eventually led to the matter being escalated to law enforcement agencies. DCI Director Mohamed Amin confirmed that his officers are pursuing other individuals suspected of involvement in the scheme to manipulate the fuel supply chain.

In the wake of the arrests, the KPC Board of Directors has appointed Pius Mwendwa, the current General Manager of Finance, as the acting Managing Director. The board stated that operations at the company remain stable and that measures are in place to ensure business continuity while they monitor the legal proceedings.

The investigation is exploring whether the consignment was procured outside the standard framework at inflated prices. Authorities are looking into potential economic crimes under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, citing a breach of public trust.

President Ruto has previously emphasized that the government will protect national interests and maintain the integrity of the energy supply chain. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy has maintained that fuel supply remains stable despite the ongoing probe. Additional officials from the petroleum department, including Simon Wafula, have also been questioned as part of the investigations.

The DCI has not yet confirmed when formal charges will be filed against the three primary suspects, who remain in custody as the inquiry into fuel quality manipulation and irregular procurement continues.