The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has come to the defense of Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi (Energy) and Lee Kinyanjui (Trade) following calls for their dismissal over the ongoing petroleum importation scandal. In a statement, the party condemned what it described as attempts at the “public lynching” of the two CSs, noting that they are not accounting officers and may have had limited involvement in the matter.
However, the party emphasized that if investigations reveal their culpability, the CSs must be held accountable. “Should professional investigations place responsibility on their actions, then there must be no sacred cows,” party leader Oburu Oginga stated.
Oburu added that ODM maintains a firm position that all public officers found culpable, regardless of rank, office, or political affiliation, must face full accountability. He noted that the fight against corruption cannot be selective; it must be comprehensive, impartial, and relentless.
The call for resignation came after several senior officials implicated in the fuel scandal stepped down, including Petroleum PS Mohamed Liban, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) MD Joe Sang, and Ministry of Energy Deputy Director Joseph Wafula.
ODM called for unity in supporting transparent and thorough investigations rather than resorting to public rallies, press statements, or name-calling. “This is a time when the nation must close ranks and support the full and unapologetic slaying of the dragon of graft, not scoring points through public rallies, pressers, and name-calling but giving encouragement and creating room for full and impartial investigations and subjecting the culprits to justice,” the statement read.
The party further lauded investigative authorities for acting swiftly and commended the President for ensuring the process remains professional, transparent, and free from interference. ODM reaffirmed that the fight against corruption remains a central pillar of its 10-point agenda in partnership with the UDA, highlighting the importance of integrity, accountability, and good governance.
