In a dramatic shake-up that has rocked Kenya’s energy sector, President William Ruto confirmed the resignations of Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang, and Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban. The resignations come hours after their arrest over allegations tied to a controversial fuel import deal.

The announcement, dated April 4, 2026, was issued through a letter signed by Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff Felix Koskei. “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, following decisions by their respective boards,” the communication read.

Disciplinary Actions Extend Further

The fallout does not end with the top officials. The State Department for Petroleum and KPC have initiated disciplinary proceedings against Deputy Director Joseph Wafula and Supply and Logistics Manager Joel Mburu as part of ongoing administrative actions linked to the scandal.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) allege that the senior officials facilitated the importation and distribution of substandard fuel into the Kenyan market. The shipment, transported aboard the vessel MV Paloma and originally destined for Angola, was allegedly diverted to Mombasa before entering local fuel supply chains under unclear circumstances.

Alleged Losses and Consumer Risks

Preliminary investigations indicate that the shipment—reportedly from Saudi Aramco—was overpriced by over Ksh 4 billion and failed to meet Kenya’s fuel quality standards. Authorities warn that this breach may have caused potential losses to the government and serious risks to consumers.

“The investigations will be thorough, and those found guilty will face charges under the economic crimes framework,” the presidential letter assured. It also outlined steps to correct irregular fuel shipment requisitions and ensure alignment with the government-to-government (G-to-G) contractual framework.

Stability Amid Crisis

Meanwhile, KPC has moved swiftly to stabilize operations. The company’s board appointed Pius Mwendwa as acting Managing Director following Sang’s resignation. Board Chair Faith Boinett reassured stakeholders that company operations remain unaffected despite the scandal.

A Sector Under Scrutiny

The resignations mark an unprecedented moment in Kenya’s energy sector, exposing vulnerabilities in procurement processes and regulatory oversight. With investigations ongoing, the government has promised full accountability and corrective action to restore confidence in the fuel supply chain.