City lawyer Donald Kipkorir has intensified the political debate surrounding Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, questioning his suitability for the docket amid growing scrutiny over the ongoing fuel importation scandal.
In a public comment, Kipkorir dismissed Wandayi’s competence in handling the energy portfolio, arguing that recent developments around the disputed fuel consignment exposed leadership weaknesses at the top of the ministry.
Wandayi has been under increasing pressure following allegations linked to a KSh4.8 billion fuel shipment that triggered investigations, arrests, and administrative action within the energy sector.
The CS has, however, maintained that he bears no procedural fault and has resisted calls to step aside, insisting that due process must take its course.
But Kipkorir took a different position, arguing that continued retention of the CS in office, despite mounting controversy, risks undermining public confidence in the sector.
He further suggested that political considerations tied to the current broad-based government arrangement could be influencing decisions around accountability, making it unlikely that the CS would be dismissed.
In his remarks, Kipkorir proposed a cabinet reshuffle as a practical solution to what he termed an administrative mismatch within key ministries.
He specifically suggested that Wandayi be moved to the Public Service docket, while the current Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku be reassigned to the Energy ministry.
According to him, Ruku would be better suited to handle the technical and policy demands of the energy sector, citing what he described as stronger administrative competence and understanding of governance systems.
The lawyer’s comments have added a new layer to an already heated political conversation, where questions of accountability, ministerial responsibility, and sectoral performance are increasingly under public scrutiny.