The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has appointed Joseph Oketch as Acting Director General following the resignation and arrest of Daniel Kiptoo, who is under investigation for allegedly creating an artificial fuel shortage.
Kiptoo stepped down amid claims that national fuel stock data was manipulated, leading to a false sense of scarcity and irregular emergency fuel purchases in the energy sector.
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Oketch will act in the role while authorities continue to probe fuel importation, regulatory oversight, and procurement procedures across major petroleum agencies.
EPRA Board Chair Adan Haji confirmed receipt of Kiptoo’s resignation, wishing him well in his future endeavors.
The leadership change occurs amid intensified investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) into the energy sector, which have already seen several high-profile resignations. Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban and Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang also resigned following arrests linked to alleged fuel stock manipulation.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said preliminary findings suggest officials falsified in-country fuel stock levels, creating panic and the impression of a looming supply crisis. This allegedly justified emergency procurement outside the Government-to-Government (G2G) framework, resulting in overpriced and substandard shipments.
Koskei added that the scheme reportedly exploited rising global oil prices and public anxiety, circumventing normal accountability procedures. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities set to review procurement practices, fuel import records, and internal reporting systems across key energy agencies.
