Grassroots economic justice movement, Mtetezi, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to authorities to suspend Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui over their alleged links to the controversial importation of non-compliant fuel.
In a strongly worded statement, Mtetezi warned that failure to act within the deadline would trigger escalation through a formal public interest petition and nationwide demonstrations.
“Mtetezi hereby issues a 48-hour ultimatum to the relevant authorities to announce the suspension of Opiyo Wandayi and Lee Kinyanjui pending investigations. The ultimatum takes effect immediately from the time of this statement,” they stated.
The group cited documentation indicating that a waiver request to the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) was drafted within the Petroleum department under then Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, with the Energy CS’s office copied for policy awareness. A supporting communication is also reported to have originated from the Ministry of Trade, placing both ministries within the approval chain now under investigation.
Mtetezi argues that the involvement of the two offices at policy level raises serious accountability concerns, particularly as junior and technical officers linked to the matter have already faced arrests, interrogation, or removal from office.
The movement says the continued stay in office of the two Cabinet Secretaries risks undermining public confidence and could interfere directly or indirectly with ongoing investigations.
Among its demands, Mtetezi is calling for the immediate suspension of both CSs pending investigations, the release of all inter-ministerial correspondence related to the fuel cargo, and full disclosure of KEBS waiver documentation and approvals.
It has also urged Parliament to initiate an inquiry into the chain of authorization behind the importation, citing potential risks to public safety, fuel quality, and significant public financial exposure.
The 48-hour ultimatum takes effect immediately, setting the stage for a possible escalation if no action is taken within the stipulated timeframe.
“Failure to take action within this period will compel Mtetezi to escalate the matter through a formal public interest petition and demonstrations.”
