Gachagua claims energy officials arrested after short changing Ruto in oil deal

Gachagua says the arrests are not a matter of accountability, but rather the result of a business dispute tied to the government-to-government (G-to-G) oil importation arrangement.

Gachagua alleged that the arrest of three senior officials stems from their decision to bypass the G-to-G agreement and shortchange the head of state in the process.

“Yesterday I was defending those who were arrested, but during the night I got the full story that this is a trade war between Ruto and his employees… Ruto entered G-to-G, and he conducts all this business through Gulf Energy and Starbex… and he has made more than Ksh.1.3 trillion,” claimed the DCP leader.

The officials, Energy Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Joe Sang of Kenya Pipeline Company, and Daniel Kiptoo of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), are accused of defying the G-to-G arrangement by importing fuel through an alternative entity.

According to Gachagua, the move reportedly displeased the President, whom he alleges is the prime beneficiary from the G-to-G oil importation arrangement.

“They made nearly Ksh. 500 million, then Ruto was told these employees of yours have played you, so he decided to play them,” he said on Sunday.

The DCP leader also claimed that the three officials have since been compelled to resign, adding that cash allegedly recovered from their residences has inexplicably gone missing.

“That Ksh.500 million, which was meant to be an exhibit, he has ordered that it be brought to him.”

Gachagua, who has since been summoned by the DCI over the claims, has told off the detectives and vowed not to honour the summons.

Gachagua warned that the escalating dispute surrounding the oil import arrangement could have far-reaching economic consequences, cautioning that fuel prices may surge and trigger adverse effects on the cost of living.

“In the coming weeks, fuel prices will rise, and when they rise, fares will rise, and the price of everything will rise,” said the former DP.