People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has called for the immediate resignation of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, intensifying pressure on the government over the ongoing fuel crisis that has triggered shortages and rising costs across the country.
In a press statement issued after Wandayi failed to appear before Parliament to respond to questions on the crisis, Karua accused the ministry of presiding over what she termed as “chaos” in the energy sector.
She urged the CS to “throw in the towel” and take political responsibility as investigations into the scandal gather momentum.
Karua acknowledged that global disruptions, particularly tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, have strained fuel supply chains.
However, she argued that Kenya’s situation has been worsened by internal failures, including alleged corruption and poor management of strategic fuel reserves.
“What we are witnessing is chaos,” Karua said, pointing to long fuel queues reported in towns such as Nyeri, Eldoret, Nyamira, and Kericho.
She warned that transporters are already signaling fare increases, a move likely to escalate the cost of living for ordinary Kenyans.
The PLP leader placed ultimate responsibility on President William Ruto, while insisting that Wandayi, as the head of the energy docket, must be held directly accountable.
Drawing from her experience as a former Justice Minister, Karua maintained that leadership demands responsibility, regardless of whether direct involvement is proven.
“There is no way a scandal of this magnitude happens under a minister’s watch without their knowledge. And if they truly don’t know, then they have no business holding office,” she stated.
At the center of the controversy are claims that Kenya’s strategic fuel reserves were sold off at inflated prices, reportedly at a markup of about USD 4 per litre.
Karua questioned how such a decision could be made without high-level authorization, warning that it has left the country vulnerable during a global energy crunch.
She further raised concerns over reports of KSh 500 million allegedly recovered in connection with the scandal, demanding clarity on the whereabouts of the funds and evidence linked to the case.
As fuel prices edge past KSh 200 per litre in some المناطق, Karua warned of a ripple effect across the economy, with increased transport costs expected to drive up food and electricity prices.
Beyond the fuel crisis, Karua criticized what she described as a broader pattern of impunity within the current administration.
She argued that despite recurring scandals, no senior government officials have faced meaningful consequences, undermining public confidence in the rule of law.
Referencing a recent passport controversy, she questioned the government’s commitment to accountability, accusing top officials of evading scrutiny while junior officers bear the brunt of enforcement actions.
Karua, who has declared her intention to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 elections, urged Kenyans to reject leaders who prioritize personal gain over public service.
She framed the fuel scandal as a test of governance, warning that failure to act decisively would deepen public suffering and erode trust in state institutions.