KISUMU, Kenya May 17 – Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has defended the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel importation framework, accusing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of misleading the public and politicising reforms in the energy sector.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP) in Luanda Constituency, Vihiga County, Wandayi dismissed criticism directed at the Kenya Kwanza administration over the fuel importation programme and challenged Gachagua to address concerns directly with the Ministry of Energy instead of targeting President William Ruto.
“If you have any issue concerning the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, face me directly because I am the Cabinet Secretary in charge,” Wandayi said.
The CS argued that the G-to-G fuel importation arrangement was not introduced by the current administration, saying leaders criticising the framework were fully aware of its origins and history.
“The government-to-government fuel importation framework did not start yesterday. It has existed before, and those now criticising it know very well how it came into place,” he stated.
Wandayi maintained that the government’s reforms in the petroleum sector are aimed at ensuring stable fuel supply and cushioning Kenyans from global oil price shocks.
He also defended the government’s handling of the Turkana oil project, noting that despite oil being discovered in 2012, progress on the field development plan had stalled for years before the current administration moved to approve it.
“The field development plan for Turkana oil was only approved recently after many years of delay, and both the National Assembly and the Senate endorsed it,” he said.
At the same time, Wandayi criticised opposition leaders for what he termed as excessive political attacks against President Ruto, urging them to focus on offering solutions instead of constant criticism.
“You cannot wake up every day and make President Ruto the subject of every political conversation. Let the President work for Kenyans,” he said.
During the event, the CS oversaw the rollout of electricity connectivity under the LMCP programme, which seeks to expand access to electricity in rural areas.
Residents in Luanda Constituency welcomed the project, saying improved electricity access would boost businesses, enhance security and support education institutions.
Wandayi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rural electrification, describing energy access as a key driver of economic growth and industrial development.
“We are determined to ensure every Kenyan household has access to affordable and reliable electricity because energy is central to development,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing political debate over fuel prices, the transparency of the G-to-G fuel importation arrangement and the broader state of the economy, with Gachagua increasingly criticising the Kenya Kwanza administration on governance and economic matters.
Despite the criticism, Wandayi insisted the government would remain focused on implementing reforms in the energy sector and improving service delivery to Kenyans.
