By Joshua Otieno | April 5, 2026
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sharply criticized the government’s ongoing crackdown in the oil sector, describing it as a “business war” rather than a genuine fight against corruption.
Speaking on April 5, 2026, Gachagua claimed that the recent arrests and resignations of top energy officials were politically and commercially motivated. He alleged that those targeted were “sacrificial lambs” caught in a power struggle linked to control of the lucrative fuel importation system.
The remarks follow a high-profile operation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which led to the arrest of Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, and Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang. All three have since resigned.
Gachagua argued that the officials were punished for attempting to import cheaper fuel outside the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) arrangement, suggesting that powerful interests are protecting the current system. He maintained that the crackdown is less about accountability and more about control of the fuel supply chain.
His claims come as President William Ruto continues to defend the operation, insisting it is part of a broader effort to dismantle cartels accused of manipulating fuel prices and undermining the economy. The President has warned of tough consequences for those found culpable, reiterating his administration’s commitment to reforms in the energy sector.
Investigations into the KSh 4 billion fuel scandal are ongoing, with authorities probing the alleged importation of substandard fuel and artificial shortages linked to the vessel MV Paloma.
The unfolding dispute has exposed deep divisions over the management of the oil sector, raising questions about transparency, market control, and the true drivers behind the latest crackdown.
