Four senior government officials have been arrested over allegations of procuring substandard fuel, raising fresh concerns about fuel quality across the country.

Among those arrested are Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General, Daniel Kiptoo and Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director (KPC) Joe Sang.

Sources privy to the information indicated that the officials were arrested on Thursday evening by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). 

Following their arrest, the senior government officials were taken to the DCI Headquarters, where they were grilled over claims of approving the procurement of fuel that failed to meet required quality standards.

However, despite the arrest, the detectives have yet to disclose full information regarding the saga.

Sources indicate that the investigative agency is now probing procurement processes, supply chains and possible collusion among the top officials.

The investigation is now expected to include how substandard fuel entered the country and whether due process was bypassed during the procurement process.

If found culpable, the government officials could face serious charges, including potential abuse of office.

The allegations come at a time when motorists have consistently raised concerns about fuel quality, with reports of engine damage linked to contaminated fuel.

EPRA has previously assured members of the public of strict compliance measures, but the latest developments cast doubt on the regulator’s effectiveness in upholding the fuel standards in the country.

To worsen the matter, the latest development comes on the back of a looming fuel shortage in the country following the escalation of the Middle East war.

Nonetheless, President William Ruto’s administration has assured Kenyans that the country has sufficient fuel to cater for all motorists for the next 30 to 40 days.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi on Thursday, April 2, said billions would be deployed to soften the blow and cushion consumers, but only for a limited time. 

He noted that the current fuel stock levels stand at 16 days for petrol, 19 days for diesel, and 49 days for jet fuel and kerosene, providing short-term cover as additional shipments arrive in April.