The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has sharply criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, accusing them of politicising the ongoing fuel procurement scandal and misleading the public.
Speaking during a press briefing in Mombasa on Monday, UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar Hassan said the two leaders had “callously and irresponsibly” exploited a sensitive national issue for political gain instead of addressing it with sobriety.
Omar argued that Kenya, like many countries globally, is grappling with economic pressures triggered by the ongoing geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran conflict, which has disrupted fuel supply chains and increased uncertainty in global markets.
“Instead of approaching this matter with the seriousness, patriotism and unity it demands, certain political opportunists have chosen to exploit this grave situation for narrow political mileage,” Omar said.
Party questions critics’ understanding of fuel sector
The UDA leadership further dismissed Gachagua and Nyoro’s commentary as lacking depth and a proper understanding of the country’s fuel supply ecosystem.
Omar accused the duo of making “reckless and unfounded” statements that risk misleading Kenyans and stirring unnecessary public anxiety.
“We urge leaders to exercise restraint and responsibility when addressing issues of national economic security,” he said, adding that such matters require informed debate rather than emotional rhetoric.
Arrests and resignations linked to scandal
The remarks come in the wake of a major fuel procurement scandal that has seen several senior officials arrested and others stepping down from their positions.
Among those who resigned are Joe Sang, Managing Director of Kenya Pipeline Company; Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority; and Mohamed Liban.
The officials are among suspects accused of orchestrating a scheme that could have cost the country billions of shillings through the procurement of overpriced and substandard fuel under the guise of an emergency shortage.
According to the government, the alleged manipulation of fuel stock data was intended to justify the importation of an unnecessary emergency shipment, despite existing Government-to-Government fuel supply agreements.
UDA defends government response
UDA praised the swift intervention by authorities, saying the arrests demonstrate the government’s commitment to accountability and protection of public resources.
The party also accused critics of siding with individuals who allegedly engineered artificial supply constraints by limiting fuel discharge to oil marketing companies, actions that led to public frustration and market instability.
“Those involved are not victims but villains,” Omar said, insisting that political leaders should support accountability efforts rather than defend wrongdoing.
Call for responsible politics
Omar emphasised that political competition should not come at the expense of national stability, particularly during times of economic strain.
He warned that politicising critical sectors such as energy could undermine investor confidence and disrupt essential services.
“While politics may be contested across many fronts, leaders must rise above partisan interests when dealing with matters that affect the country’s economic security,” he said.
The UDA’s response highlights growing tensions between the ruling party and segments of the opposition as the fuel scandal continues to unfold, with calls mounting for transparency, accountability and responsible leadership in addressing the crisis.
