Lawyer Willis Otieno has issued a stern warning about systemic failures in Kenya’s energy sector amid the ongoing fuel scandal.

Taking to his official X account in the wee hours of Sunday, April 5, 2026, the Safina Deputy Party Leader argued that the controversy surrounding the irregular importation of fuel should not be treated as an isolated scandal but rather as a symptom of deep-rooted governance issues.

“In a functioning, rules-based state, accountability in the energy sector would not be a matter of public outrage; it would be a matter of institutional routine. Where serious questions arise around governance, procurement, or regulatory oversight, the expectation in mature democracies is clear: independent investigative agencies act swiftly, transparently, and without political interference. No office, however senior, is insulated from scrutiny,” Otieno stated.

Systemic problem

He added that Kenya’s current predicament reflects a broader systemic problem, rather than the actions of any individual.

“The concern in Kenya is not merely about the actions or omissions of Opiyo Wandayi; it is about the apparent weakness of enforcement institutions. When allegations persist without timely, credible investigation, public confidence erodes not just in individuals, but in the system as a whole,” he emphasised.

The warning comes hours after several senior officials in the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum resigned following investigations into irregular procurement practices.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is now working with foreign investigative agencies under the Mutual Legal Assistance framework to establish facts surrounding the alleged mismanagement.

Investigations ongoing

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has already confirmed that it is probing the suspected irregular procurement of an emergency fuel cargo, working with both local and international agencies.

“The DCI is actively liaising with relevant government agencies and investigative agencies in other countries under the Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) programme to establish all relevant facts surrounding this matter,” the DCI stated.

The MLA framework allows authorities to share information, track financial flows, and gather evidence across jurisdictions, a move often employed in high-stakes corruption and financial crime investigations.

Officials have emphasised that anyone found culpable will face legal consequences, regardless of their position or political affiliation.

The fuel scandal has quickly become one of the most closely watched issues in the country, touching on concerns about corruption, transparency, and the cost of energy.