🇰🇪KenyaEast Africa
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi addresses fuel price changes and shortage allegations
via Tuko2 min read
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi addressed the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Energy regarding anticipated fuel price adjustments and allegations of fuel shortages. Wandayi stated that global petroleum product costs have surged. He indicated that the cost of a questioned KSh 4.8 billion substandard fuel consignment would not be factored into the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority's EPRA upcoming price review. The CS urged Kenyans to await EPRA's official announcement. He also denied claims of a fuel shortage, assuring that current supplies are sufficient and warning against hoarding by market players. Regarding calls for his resignation amid an ongoing fuel scandal investigation, Wandayi affirmed his commitment to transparency and stated there was no justification for him to step down. He also denied coercing three officials to resign. The ODM party leader Oburu Oginga defended Wandayi, noting he is not the ministry's accounting officer, but emphasized that anyone found culpable in the investigation should be held accountable.
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Must ReadKenya's recently ratified military pact with France has ignited a fierce debate, with critics warning that the agreement risks undermining national sovereignty and granting foreign troops impunity. The deal, which offers French forces diplomatic privileges and legal protections, comes as several other African nations are expelling Western military presences. Activists and Mau Mau veterans have highlighted the unresolved 2012 killing of Agnes Wanjiru, allegedly by British soldiers, as a stark example of the dangers of granting immunity to foreign troops. James Njuguna, Director General of the Mau Mau War Veterans Association, expressed dismay, stating that the government appears to prioritize foreigners over its own citizens and that the new pact will lead to similar issues as those associated with the British Army Training Unit Kenya BATUK. He warned that this military alignment could drag Kenya into geopolitical conflicts and strain relationships with other African and Arab nations. As Nairobi prepares to host a France-Africa summit on May 11th and 12th, 2026, where President William Ruto is expected to finalize the deal, civil society groups are organizing a counter-summit to protest the agreement. France's interest in Kenya is seen as a strategic move to secure a foothold in Anglophone Africa after losing military bases in several Francophone countries.
A video of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga has resurfaced, detailing the origin and migration of the Luo community. Recorded in 2023, Raila's account is based on the writings of Walter Edwin Owen, a British Anglican missionary. Owen interviewed three Luo elders – Ogada Ondiek, Ogada Otiende, and Gor Kogalo – who provided similar narratives. According to Raila, the Luo migrated from Sudan, following rivers south to Lake Victoria. The first Luo, named Podho, meaning "falling," is believed to have fallen from the sky onto Got Ramogi in Sudan, bringing seeds and animals, thus initiating life on Earth. Raila compared this to the Biblical creation story and urged scholars to document Luo folklore. Separately, Migori governor Ochilo George Mbogo Ayacko has presented another narrative on the origin of Nilotic communities, claiming all Nilotes descended from Sin Akuru Kuku Lubanga, who lived in Dognam Dho Nam in Sudan. Ayacko states Kuku Lubanga had a wife who bore twins: Opiyo Podhokoma, ancestor of River-Lake Nilotes Luo, and Odongo Pok Boni, forefather of Highland Nilotes Kalenjin subgroups. A second wife gave birth to Lioleituk Dyang, father of Plain Nilotes Maasai, Samburu. Ayacko uses this narrative to emphasize the interconnectedness and political significance of Nilotic communities, referencing historical political alliances such as Jaramogi Oginga Odinga's support for Daniel arap Moi, and the cooperation between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga.
Must ReadThe Tax Appeals Tribunal has ruled in favor of Nairobi City County, setting aside the majority of an KSh 8.3 billion tax demand from the Kenya Revenue Authority KRA. The dispute involved PAYE, withholding taxes, VAT, and statutory levies for the period between 2019 and 2023. The Tribunal found that KRA's assessment was largely unjustified and did not adequately consider reconciliations and supporting documents provided by the county government. It also noted that KRA disregarded joint reconciliation findings previously agreed upon by both parties. Nairobi County had argued that the assessment included duplicated invoices, voided transactions, exempt supplies, internal transfers, and amounts already remitted. The Tribunal upheld only the NITA levy component and affirmed a reconciled tax liability of KSh 130.7 million, which had been jointly agreed upon during earlier reconciliation meetings.
Must ReadKenya's Ministry of Health has issued a public health advisory after a hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, which has reported eight confirmed cases and three deaths among passengers and crew. While no local infections have been reported in Kenya, surveillance systems at airports, seaports, and health facilities have been heightened. The Ministry, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, is monitoring developments due to concerns about potential international spread. Director General for Health Patrick Amoth stated that Kenya remains free of reported hantavirus cases and the overall public risk is low. Hantavirus is typically spread through contact with infected rodents, and symptoms can include fever, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, potentially leading to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in severe cases. The public is advised to maintain hygiene, keep environments free of rodents, and seek medical attention if symptoms appear, especially after recent travel.