A leadership shake-up has hit Kenya Pipeline Company after its top executive was taken into custody, prompting swift action to steady the corporation. In an interim move aimed at maintaining stability, the board has handed over the reins to a senior internal figure as investigations unfold.
The company announced the appointment of Pius Mwendwa as acting Managing Director following the arrest of Joe Sang.
The announcement was made on Friday evening through a statement signed by Board Chair Faith Boinett, who assured stakeholders that operations remain steady and unaffected.
“To ensure business continuity in the intervening period, Mr Pius Mwendwa (GM-Finance) will discharge the duties of the office of the Managing Director,” the statement read in part.
The board added that it is closely following developments surrounding Sang’s arrest and is engaging relevant authorities to better understand the allegations.
Sang’s arrest is linked to a broader investigation into the alleged importation of substandard fuel, a probe that has also seen the detention of senior officials including Mohamed Liban and Daniel Kiptoo.
According to sources, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations carried out the arrests on Thursday evening before transferring the suspects to a Nairobi police station for questioning.
Investigators are reportedly examining fuel supply chains, procurement procedures, and possible collusion that may have allowed compromised petroleum products into the market. The probe will also assess whether due process was followed, with potential charges such as abuse of office on the table.
The unfolding scandal comes amid rising public concern over fuel quality, with motorists reporting cases of engine damage linked to contaminated fuel—raising fresh scrutiny on the role of Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority. However, the authority is yet to issue an official statement.
Despite the uncertainty, the government has sought to calm fears over supply. Speaking on Channel Africa, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura assured the public that fuel stocks remain sufficient and prices are expected to stay stable throughout April.