Mtetezi Movement Demands Suspension of Energy, Trade CSs Over Fuel Import Probe

By Gedion Nzyoki -

• Mtetezi Movement demands suspension of Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi and Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui over a fuel import probe.
• The group cites lack of accountability while junior staff face arrests, calling for document disclosure and a parliamentary inquiry.
• A 48-hour ultimatum threatens legal action and public demonstrations if no action is taken.

NAIROBI, KENYA — April 7, 2026 – The Mtetezi Movement, a grassroots advocacy group, has called for the immediate suspension of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui over alleged involvement in a controversial fuel importation process currently under investigation.

Photo collage showing members of the Mtetezi Movement during a press briefing alongside Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi. (Photo: Courtesy)

Speaking at a mid-morning press briefing outside Milimani Law Courts, Mtetezi’s Head of Communications, Sifuna Misenya, said documentation indicates a chain of correspondence implicating both ministries in the importation of allegedly non-compliant or substandard fuel.

According to the group, a waiver request to the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) was reportedly drafted within the Petroleum department under former Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, with the Energy CS’s office copied for policy awareness. A related recommendation is said to have originated from the Ministry of Trade.

“Available documentation indicates that a waiver request to KEBS was drafted within the Petroleum department under then PS Mohamed Liban, with the Energy CS office copied for policy awareness, while a recommendation or supporting communication reportedly came from the Ministry of Trade. This forms a policy-level chain now under investigation, raising serious questions about accountability at Cabinet level,” Misenya said.

Mtetezi argues that while junior and technical officers linked to the process have faced arrests or removal, top officials—including the two Cabinet Secretaries—remain in office. 

The movement warned that allowing them to continue serving during the probe could erode public trust and compromise the independence of the investigation.

The group is now demanding immediate administrative action, including the suspension of Wandayi and Kinyanjui, public disclosure of all relevant documents, and a parliamentary inquiry into how the cargo was approved and cleared.

Mtetezi has issued a 48-hour ultimatum for authorities to act, warning that failure to respond could trigger legal action and public demonstrations.

“Mtetezi hereby issues a 48-hour ultimatum to the relevant authorities to announce the suspension of Opiyo Wandayi and Lee Kinyanjui pending investigations. Failure to act will compel Mtetezi to escalate the matter through a formal public interest petition and demonstrations,” Misenya added.

The group’s National Convener, Francis Awino, condemned what he described as the use of goons to disrupt a scheduled briefing at Chester House, stressing that the group will not be intimidated.

“Within these 48 hours, if the Energy CS does not resign, we will confront him directly alongside members of the public. We had planned to take the petition to Parliament, but instead, we will take it to his office, and he will have to resign. We will not leave until he does,” Awino said.

Mtetezi Movement National Convener Francis Awino prepares to address the press outside Milimani Law Courts. (Photo: Courtesy)

Awino also called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to conduct a lifestyle audit to ensure the Cabinet Secretary’s wealth aligns with his official earnings.

This call comes just days after the resignation of former Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, raising further questions about why the Energy Cabinet Secretary remains in office while investigations into the fuel importation continue.