In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, ODM party leader Oburu Odinga said the unfolding scandal had exposed a deeply entrenched culture of impunity and misuse of public resources within the country’s energy sector.
“The Orange Democratic Movement expresses profound outrage at the unfolding petroleum scandal, which once again lays bare the entrenched culture of impunity and exploitation of public resources that continues to undermine our nation’s progress,” Oburu said.
According to ODM, the scandal comes at a time when many Kenyans are struggling with the rising cost of living, making any irregularities in the fuel sector particularly troubling.
The party noted that petroleum products are central to the country’s economy and daily life, meaning any malpractice in the sector directly affects millions of citizens.
ODM also commended President William Ruto for allowing investigations into the matter to proceed, urging authorities to ensure the probe remains professional, transparent and free from political interference.
“We commend His Excellency the President for ensuring that investigations proceed in a professional, expeditious and transparent manner without interference or favouritism,” Oburu added.
The party emphasized that all individuals found culpable, regardless of their political standing or government position, must be held accountable.
ODM also commended President William Ruto for allowing investigations into the matter to proceed, urging authorities to ensure the probe remains professional, transparent and free from political interference.
“We commend His Excellency the President for ensuring that investigations proceed in a professional, expeditious and transparent manner without interference or favouritism,” Oburu added.
The party emphasized that all individuals found culpable, regardless of their political standing or government position, must be held accountable.
ODM insisted that the fight against corruption should not be selective but must instead be comprehensive and impartial.
“This is a moment for the nation to unite in confronting corruption decisively. Instead of trading accusations through public rallies or political statements, leaders should support thorough investigations that will ensure justice is served,” the statement said.
At the same time, Oburu defended two Cabinet Secretaries, Lee Kinyanjui and Opiyo Wandayi, who have recently faced criticism in connection with the scandal.
He noted that the two are not accounting officers and warned that attempts by some political leaders to publicly blame them without evidence could politicise the investigations and derail efforts to uncover the truth.
“Attempts at public lynching of Cabinet Secretaries Lee Kinyanjui and Opiyo Wandayi will only derail investigations and unnecessarily politicise the scandal,” Oburu said.
However, the ODM leader maintained that if professional investigations eventually link any officials to wrongdoing, they must face the full force of the law.
He reiterated that the fight against corruption remains a central pillar of the ODM-UDA cooperation agenda and said the government’s handling of the scandal would be a critical test of its commitment to accountability and good governance.
“ODM stands firmly with the people of Kenya in demanding justice, transparency and the full recovery of any public resources lost through this scandal,” Oburu said.
“This is a moment for the nation to unite in confronting corruption decisively. Instead of trading accusations through public rallies or political statements, leaders should support thorough investigations that will ensure justice is served,” the statement said.
At the same time, Oburu defended two Cabinet Secretaries, Lee Kinyanjui and Opiyo Wandayi, who have recently faced criticism in connection with the scandal.
He noted that the two are not accounting officers and warned that attempts by some political leaders to publicly blame them without evidence could politicise the investigations and derail efforts to uncover the truth.
“Attempts at public lynching of Cabinet Secretaries Lee Kinyanjui and Opiyo Wandayi will only derail investigations and unnecessarily politicise the scandal,” Oburu said.
However, the ODM leader maintained that if professional investigations eventually link any officials to wrongdoing, they must face the full force of the law.
He reiterated that the fight against corruption remains a central pillar of the ODM-UDA cooperation agenda and said the government’s handling of the scandal would be a critical test of its commitment to accountability and good governance.
“ODM stands firmly with the people of Kenya in demanding justice, transparency and the full recovery of any public resources lost through this scandal,” Oburu said.
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