Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested several senior government and energy sector officials in connection with an ongoing probe into suspected fuel supply manipulation and quality irregularities.
Those arrested include Energy Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo, and Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang. A senior petroleum official identified as Simon Wafula was also detained.
According to reports, the arrests followed a coordinated operation carried out on Thursday night, during which detectives searched the officials’ residences and allegedly recovered documents and cash believed to be relevant to the investigation.
Sources indicate that the probe is centered on a controversial fuel consignment imported under the government-to-government (G-to-G) framework. The shipment is suspected to have contained fuel with elevated sulphur levels that did not meet Kenyan quality standards.
The issue reportedly emerged after a quality assurance officer at the Kenya Pipeline Company refused to authorize the discharge of the fuel, citing safety and compliance concerns.
This decision is said to have triggered internal disagreements and alleged pressure to allow the fuel into the system.
Authorities are now investigating claims that the standoff may have contributed to artificial fuel supply disruptions.
The developments come amid increased scrutiny of Kenya’s fuel import arrangements with Gulf suppliers, including Saudi Aramco, ADNOC, and ENOC.
Despite the arrests, the government has assured the public that fuel supply remains stable, with adequate stocks available while investigations continue.
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