Former Petroleum PS Mohamed Liban, ex-KPC MD Joe Sang, and former EPRA DG Daniel Kiptoo were released on police bail on April 6, 2026, days after their arrests and resignations in the Ksh4.8 billion irregular fuel importation scandal. Their lawyers denied wrongdoing, citing National Security Council recommendations, as the government moves to recover losses from importers.
Following their arrests over Easter weekend and confirmed resignations on April 4, former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, ex-Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang, and former Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Director General Daniel Kiptoo were released from police custody on bail on Monday, April 6, 2026. Investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations continue, with no charges filed yet.
Their lawyers asserted to media that the officials committed no wrongdoing, having followed recommendations from a National Security Council Committee on March 9 to source emergency fuel amid Middle East tensions. Documents reviewed by Kenyans.co.ke verify the committee's guidance to use alternative suppliers.
At least 20 others, including a managing director from a major petroleum firm tied to 69 million litres of sub-standard fuel, have given statements to the DCI.
United Democratic Alliance Secretary General Hassan Omar announced proceedings to recover Ksh15 billion from importers—five times the estimated Ksh3-4.8 billion losses outside the government-to-government framework with Saudi Arabia—with funds directed to Level Six hospitals. "Urgent recovery proceedings against the importers have commenced to ensure Kenyan taxpayers are shielded from any financial exposure," Omar said.
The Energy Ministry highlighted that sub-standard fuel caused a Ksh43.4 per-litre price variance compared to G2G rates. EPRA committed to upholding the G2G framework to avoid pump price increases, with mandatory quality tests ongoing and results forthcoming. President William Ruto pledged that no cartel would be spared if found culpable.
Agencies like KPC, EPRA, and DCI emphasized no public funds were misused. EPRA named Joseph Aketch as the new DG.
