Petition Filed for Removal of CS Opiyo Wandayi.

The petitioner, Francis Owino, argues that the minister should step aside while investigations into claims of improper fuel imports continue. The case asks the court to treat the matter as urgent and to temporarily stop Wandayi from carrying out any duties related to his position until a final decision is reached. This move comes amid growing public worries about the safety and quality of fuel available in the country.

The petition highlights serious concerns that Wandayi may have been involved in or allowed the entry of fuel that did not meet the necessary quality requirements. According to the court papers, this included skipping important pre-import checks, bringing in supplies that fell short of accepted standards, and approving special permissions that raised questions. It is further claimed that lower-quality fuel was sometimes blended with regular stock before reaching the market. These actions, the petitioner says, put everyday Kenyans at risk by exposing them to products that could damage vehicles or affect public safety.

The situation has already led to major setbacks in the energy sector, with several high-ranking officials either arrested or choosing to leave their posts in connection with the same issues. The petition points out that the Cabinet Secretary has not appeared before parliament when called to explain the matter, adding to the sense that accountability is lacking. Supporters of the legal action believe that allowing him to remain in office could make it harder for fair and open probes to take place, especially given his high level of influence over fuel supply decisions.

Owino has also reported facing personal threats, harassment, and even physical attacks because of his efforts to bring the case forward. He stresses that court protection is needed not only for his own safety but also to safeguard the broader public interest in having a reliable and trustworthy fuel supply system. The application maintains that there is enough evidence to support the claims and that stopping the minister from acting in his role for now would help protect the integrity of the entire energy industry while the matter is properly examined. The court is expected to review the request in the coming days