‘Resignation Is Not The Point’— Oburu Defends Cabinet Secretaries Amid Fuel Scandal
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Oburu Odinga has publicly distanced himself from fellow opposition leaders regarding the growing calls for the resignation of Cabinet Secretaries in the Trade and Energy dockets.
The leaders face mounting pressure following a controversial fuel scandal that has left many citizens concerned.
In an interview with a local radio station on Sunday, April 19, 2026, as noted by People Daily, Oburu insisted that political grandstanding must not take precedence over the rule of law.
He firmly believes that public officials should only step down when there is concrete, legal evidence of wrongdoing.
“We are not shielding anybody, but resignation is not the point. If the investigations find that they are culpable, then they will be mentioned,” Oburu made it clear.
Governance Standards and Due Process
Drawing parallels to the Mwai Kibaki administration, Oburu explained that the proper procedure involves an investigative body officially naming an individual before they are asked to vacate office.
“You don’t drag somebody’s name politically because he is the head just because he is the minister you want him to be dragged and his name has not been mentioned by the investigative authority,” Oburu stated.
Oburu emphasized that politicians lack the legal mandate to conduct independent probes or reach definitive conclusions regarding guilt.
“We are not, as politicians the investigative authority,” Oburu said.
Pushback from the leader comes shortly after the United Alternative Government intensified its campaign against Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui.
On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua led these calls, accusing the ministers of mismanagement and lack of transparency regarding the fuel importation saga.
“We unequivocally demand the resignation and prosecution of the minister for energy and petroleum, Mr Opiyo Wandayi, for the fuel scandal and lying under oath to the National Assembly committee,” Gachagua demanded.
“We also demand the resignation of Lee Kinyanjui for being complicit and for being part of the scandal,” he added.
The unrest is largely fueled by the Energy and Petroleum Regulation Authority’s (EPRA) recent price adjustments.
On April 14, 2026, the regulator announced a fuel price hike effective through May 14, 2026, following a Treasury directive to reduce VAT on petroleum products to 8 percent.
Nairobi residents are now paying Ksh197.60 for Super Petrol, Ksh196.63 for Diesel, and Ksh152.78 for Kerosene.
