NAIROBI— The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has provided a fresh update on its ongoing probe into the suspected irregular procurement of an emergency fuel cargo by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, assuring the public that all individuals found culpable will face justice regardless of their status.
In a statement, the DCI confirmed that it has recorded statements from several witnesses and persons of interest, including senior government officials and executives from One Petroleum Limited, the firm linked to the importation of a 68,000-tonne consignment of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at approximately Sh2.5 billion. Executives from Oryx Energy Limited have also been summoned to record their statements as part of the widening investigation.
The agency revealed that it is actively collaborating with other government bodies and international investigative agencies through the Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) framework to uncover all facts surrounding the matter. This includes tracing the sourcing of the fuel consignments, which were allegedly procured outside the established Government-to-Government (G2G) framework, potentially at inflated prices and in breach of standard procurement procedures.
“We are committed to handling this matter expeditiously and will forward the investigative file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in due course,” the statement read.
“Those found culpable, including directors of the involved companies, will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law, irrespective of their positions.”
The DCI further clarified that the recent resignations of key officials — Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang, and Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo — do not absolve them or any other suspects of criminal liability.
“Resignation from office does not in any way exonerate or absolve the suspects and persons of interest from criminal culpability,” the agency noted. It urged all involved parties to cooperate fully with investigators.
The investigation stems from allegations of manipulated fuel stock data that created an impression of an imminent shortage, leading to the irregular emergency importation. The DCI reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, stressing its dedication to safeguarding public resources and promoting transparency and accountability in all public procurement processes.
