Cabinet Secretaries Raila Wants to Resign Immediately

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has demanded the resignation of Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and Treasury counterpart Njuguna Ndung’u, accusing them of involvement in a controversial government-to-government fuel deal with two Gulf firms.

The deal, according to Raila, has not only failed in its intended purpose of lowering fuel prices but is also allegedly tainted with corruption.

During a press conference, Raila asserted that the oil deal was a corruption scandal designed to withdraw money from the exchequer against the law.

He called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to summon and interrogate the two Cabinet Secretaries, emphasizing that they must not only resign but also face prosecution for alleged criminal offenses and abuse of office.

Raila’s claims were accompanied by accusations of unconstitutional withdrawal of Ksh 17 billion, directly linked to the fuel deal. He pointed to the importation saga involving businesswoman Ann Njeri Njoroge, questioning the authorization process for the ship’s departure, docking, and offloading.

President William Ruto, however, dismissed Raila’s allegations, maintaining that the fuel deal process was transparent and open. Ruto challenged Raila to substantiate his claims and asserted that all contracts related to the deal were available in Parliament.

Raila further urged the government to provide concrete evidence that the government-to-government fuel deal was transacted in Kenyan Shillings, as claimed by President Ruto and other officials.

The opposition leader emphasized the need for documentary evidence to separate facts from fiction, expressing skepticism about the government’s narratives.

As this controversy unfolds, the call for resignations adds a new dimension to the ongoing political landscape, with potential implications for the government’s credibility.

The demand for accountability and transparency in this matter highlights the importance of addressing alleged irregularities to maintain public trust.