By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 4 April 2026 - Three senior officials at the centre of Kenya’s energy sector have stepped down, just hours after their arrest over a controversial fuel importation deal now under investigation.
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang, and Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban all resigned as pressure mounted over the unfolding scandal.
In a statement from the Office of the President, Chief of Staff Felix Koskei confirmed that President William Ruto had received the resignations.
“The President has received the resignation of Mr Mohamed Liban as Petroleum Principal Secretary, alongside the exit of Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang and EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria,” the statement said.
The developments follow their arrest by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over allegations linked to the importation and distribution of substandard fuel.
Investigators are examining a shipment reportedly diverted to Mombasa aboard the vessel MV Paloma, which is suspected to have entered the local supply chain under unclear circumstances.
Preliminary findings suggest the consignment may have been overpriced by more than KSh 4 billion and failed to meet required fuel quality standards, raising concerns over potential financial losses and risks to consumers.
As the probe widens, the government has also initiated disciplinary action against other officials, including a deputy director in the State Department for Petroleum and a senior manager at KPC.
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“The State Department for Petroleum and Kenya Pipeline Company have initiated disciplinary processes… as part of ongoing administrative action,” the statement added.
Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation, warning that those found culpable will face prosecution under laws governing economic crimes.
The government also indicated that corrective measures are underway, including reviewing and reversing any irregular fuel procurement processes to align with the official government-to-government supply framework.
The sudden exits mark a significant shake-up in the energy sector, as scrutiny intensifies over how a questionable fuel shipment made its way into the country’s distribution system.