Kenya, 3 April 2026 – Top energy officials in Kenya were arrested on Friday in connection with a major investigation into the importation of substandard oil, theft and corruption.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested Energy Principal Secretary Liban Mohamed, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang, and Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Chief Executive Officer Daniel Kiptoo over the alleged importation of substandard oil.
The three are currently being held at Gigiri Police Station for questioning.
The arrests follow months of intelligence-led inquiries and raids on multiple offices across Nairobi.
They come at a time when countries across the world are facing the threat of disrupted fuel supplies following the escalation of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. Very few ships carrying oil and other energy essentials have been able to access the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently under the surveillance of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The arrests were precipitated by complaints of irregularities in fuel procurement and distribution, which are suspected to have caused significant losses to public funds.
DCI confirmed that the detained officials are being interrogated at a secure facility in Nairobi.
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“Sleuths from the DCI are interrogating the suspects and those found culpable will face the full force of the law,” a senior DCI officer said.
Detectives seized crucial documents and electronic evidence during the operation.Investigators have described the case as a “high-level, well-coordinated syndicate” allegedly manipulating fuel supplies for personal gain.

