One Petroleum defends role in fuel import probe, says everything approved by Gov't

One Petroleum Limited has defended its role in the controversial petroleum import deal, stating that the company followed due procedure in its dealings with the government. 

In a statement dated April 24, 2026, the company revealed that the process began on March 18, 2026, when the Ministry of Energy convened an industry meeting to address concerns over petroleum stock levels. 

The following day, the ministry reportedly requested bids from suppliers for an emergency cargo ranging between 35,000 and 85,000 metric tonnes.

The company stated that due to heightened global demand driven by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, sourcing petroleum shipments had become increasingly competitive, with many available only at higher spot market premiums.

It said it secured a shipment owned by British Petroleum that was initially headed to Angola but could be redirected to Kenya within three days due to its proximity to the coast.

“When responding with our offer, we disclosed to the Ministry the specs of the product. A waiver was subsequently applied for and granted, as confirmed by the Ministry of Trade,” read the statement.

“It is worth noting that the product met petroleum standards applicable across many Southern African markets and Kenya's own standards from 2019 to mid 2025.”

Addressing concerns over fuel quality, the firm defended the practice of co-mingling, describing it as a standard global industry process.

It added that similar practices, including the handling of off-spec fuel, occur regularly in markets worldwide, including Kenya.

On the issue of payments, the company said that by April 7, about 20 per cent of the consignment had already been paid for and collected by oil marketing companies allocated by the ministry, prior to the introduction of a new policy directive. 

Despite incurring financial costs and having no legal obligation to comply, One Petroleum said it opted to support the government’s revised position by withdrawing invoices for fuel destined for the local market.

The company reiterated that it has cooperated fully with all relevant government agencies and investigators.

"We did not seek this contract. We responded to a written government request. Every aspect, quantity, price and even quality, was communicated to and approved by the Ministry of Energy in writing with the formal waivers in place," the statement added.

“One Petroleum and its Directors are being targeted without any legitimate basis. We will take every step necessary - including legal action -to protect our reputation and that of our Directors.”

The controversy emerged after Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi ordered the withdrawal of 60,000 metric tonnes of fuel imported by One Petroleum Limited, citing that it contravened the procedures set out under the G-to-G framework. 

Amid investigations, senior government officials Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, and Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang were arrested and later resigned from their posts.