Omanghana
Kenya has blocked a second fuel shipment from docking at the Port of Mombasa as of April 6, 2026, as investigations intensify into a multibillion-shilling petroleum importation scandal.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi confirmed the move, stating that the government halted the delivery after receiving full details about a prior controversial cargo—the MV Paloma—which is currently under investigation for allegedly bypassing the established Government-to-Government (G2G) import framework.
According to authorities, the decision to stop the second shipment was taken to safeguard public interest after irregularities were detected in the initial consignment.
The unfolding scandal has already triggered high-level consequences within the energy sector. Several senior officials resigned or were arrested on April 4, 2026, over allegations of manipulating fuel stock data to justify an irregular and overpriced emergency procurement. Among those implicated are Mohamed Liban, Joe Sang, and Daniel Kiptoo.
President William Ruto has strongly condemned the alleged scheme, vowing to dismantle oil cartels believed to be behind the crisis. He accused a network of officials and business figures of deliberately engineering supply disruptions to profit from inflated fuel prices.
Preliminary findings indicate that Kenya may have lost approximately KSh 2.9 billion due to the irregular importation of 68 million liters of substandard petroleum. Reports suggest the fuel was procured at a cost of KSh 43 more per liter than the standard G2G rates.
Despite the controversy and the blockade of the second shipment, the Ministry of Energy has assured the public that the country has sufficient fuel reserves to meet current demand. Officials are urging calm, even as regional supply pressures mount amid the ongoing Iran conflict 2026, which has contributed to rising shipping costs and isolated retail shortages across East Africa.
Source: Omanghana
