The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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A petition has been lodged at the Milimani High Court seeking the suspension of Opiyo Wandayi over claims linked to the irregular importation of substandard fuel.
The petitioner, Francis Owino, is asking the court to treat the matter as urgent and issue conservatory orders barring Wandayi from performing his duties until the case is heard and determined.
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As an alternative, the application proposes limiting the CS from making or executing decisions related to petroleum procurement, importation, licensing, and regulatory approvals while proceedings are ongoing.
Court filings also seek orders compelling the CS to hand over control of ongoing fuel importation processes to an independent body operating under court supervision. Additionally, the petitioner wants the court to prevent him from interfering with investigations, witnesses, or evidence connected to the case.
Owino alleges that Wandayi, as the head of the energy docket, either oversaw or was complicit in the importation of fuel that failed to meet required standards. He claims the process involved multiple irregularities, including bypassing mandatory Pre-export Verification of Conformity (PVoC), importing fuel that did not meet KS EAS 158:2025 standards, issuing questionable waivers, and blending substandard fuel with compliant supplies.
The petitioner argues that these actions have put consumers at risk, disrupted the market, and weakened regulatory protections.
He further notes that some officials have already been arrested or resigned over the matter, highlighting what he describes as the seriousness of the scandal. Despite this, he claims the CS continues to hold office and exercise authority, including allegedly ignoring parliamentary summons.
According to the petition, Wandayi’s continued stay in office poses a risk of further unlawful actions and potential interference with ongoing investigations due to the influence of his position.
The petitioner also claims he has faced threats, intimidation, and physical assault while pursuing the case, arguing that his constitutional rights have been violated.
He maintains that without court intervention, both his rights and the broader public interest could be jeopardised, potentially undermining the case. The application argues that a strong prima facie case has been established and that granting conservatory orders would serve the public interest by safeguarding accountability in the energy sector.
