ODM’s Oburu Oginga Condemns ‘Public Lynching’ of CSs Wandayi and Kinyanjui Over Fuel Scandal
Politics Updated: 07 April 2026 14:27 EAT
ODM party leader Oburu Odinga warns that attempts to publicly target CSs Lee Kinyanjui and Opiyo Wandayi risk derailing investigations and politicising the alleged scandal
The leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Dr. Oburu Oginga, has condemned what he described as a “public lynching” of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui amid the unfolding Sh4.8 billion fuel procurement scandal engulfing Kenya’s petroleum sector. Oburu’s comments came in a statement issued on April 7, 2026, as pressure mounted on the two ministers to explain their roles in the controversial deal.
The scandal centres on an irregular deal to import two consignments of petroleum totalling 128,000 tonnes outside the established Government‑to‑Government (G2G) framework, raising allegations of procedural breaches and potential corruption. Senior officials from the energy sector have already been arrested, and some have resigned, as investigators probe the circumstances surrounding the controversial shipments.
In his statement, Oburu warned that attacks on the two cabinet secretaries through “public rallies, pressers and name‑calling” risk politicising the investigations and derailing efforts to establish the facts. He emphasised that neither Wandayi nor Kinyanjui are “accounting officers,” implying they are not directly responsible for financial oversight of the deal, and that premature public condemnation could undermine due process.
Oburu acknowledged the seriousness of the fuel scandal and reiterated the party’s commitment to combating corruption comprehensively. He stressed that any public official found culpable, regardless of rank or political affiliation, should be held fully accountable, underscoring that there should be “no sacred cows” in Kenya’s fight against graft.
The party leader also noted that the ongoing controversy has exposed persistent challenges in the management of public resources, with many Kenyans already grappling with high living costs. He described the scandal as offensive to the public conscience and called for swift, impartial investigations to restore confidence in government institutions.
Analysts say the focus of the investigations has shifted in recent days toward Wandayi and Kinyanjui, with leaked letters and correspondence suggesting that both ministers may have been involved in authorising or facilitating waivers for the disputed fuel consignments. Investigators are examining how the waivers were granted and whether regulatory procedures were followed.
While Oburu defended the importance of due process, he also noted that the ODM stands with Kenyans in demanding transparency and the full recovery of any misappropriated funds. The party reiterated that the fight against corruption is central to its governance agenda and urged the government to demonstrate commitment to integrity and accountability.
The fuel scandal has intensified scrutiny of Kenya’s petroleum sector and fuel procurement frameworks, with critics calling for systemic reforms to prevent similar controversies in the future. As investigators continue their work, the fate of Wandayi and Kinyanjui remains uncertain, with the public closely watching how the probe unfolds.
Oburu further appealed to political leaders and the media to exercise restraint, warning that sensationalising allegations could inflame public sentiment and jeopardise national stability. He emphasised that investigations must follow legal procedures and be guided by facts rather than speculation.
The ODM leader reiterated that while corruption must be confronted, targeting officials who are not directly responsible for financial management risks undermining governance processes and distracting from the broader reforms needed in the sector.
He concluded by urging Kenyans to trust in the investigative institutions, affirming that accountability will be enforced without bias, and that any official found complicit in the fuel scandal would face the full weight of the law.
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FELIX MAKONA
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