Opposition leader Raila Odinga has Called for Investigation into the Controversial Kenya Oil Deal.
In a further statement regarding the opaque Kenya oil deal,Raila Odinga has expressed his shock and disappointment at the response from both the legislature and the oil companies.
Odinga had raised specific concerns and demands directed at the Executive, but instead, the issues were taken over and responded to by the legislative arm of government and the oil companies themselves.
Odinga highlighted the dangerous implications of this situation, stating that it is a clear indication of state capture and the complete takeover by cartels.
He pointed out instances where oil marketing companies have responded to queries from Kenyans, which should have been addressed by the government.
This demonstrates the influence of cartels within the government.
The controversy surrounding the Ksh17 billion worth of diesel claimed by Anne Njeri further deepened the suspicions of corruption and illegal activities within the government.
Odinga supported Senator Okiya Omtata’s evidence of the government withdrawing billions from the consolidated fund without parliamentary authority and using the funds for subsidies to private financial enterprises.
“Busia senator Hon. Okiya Omtata tabled evidence of the government withdrawing Ksh42, 965,290,402 from the consolidated fund, without the authority of Parliament and spending it on what it called “subsidies to private financial enterprises,”Raila stated.
Odinga accused the Cabinet Secretaries for Energy and Petroleum, Davis Chirichir, and National Treasury, Njuguna Ndungu, of committing criminal offenses, abusing their office, and going against the constitution.
“Kenyans noticed that when one Anne Njeri laid claim to the sh17 billion worth of diesel then in the seas.
He added stating that,”It was two Cabinet Secretaries who came out to state that the oil belonged to Galana Energies. Galana has hired the government,”Raila noted.
He demanded their resignation and prosecution.
Odinga also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the oil deal.
It include the absence of documents signed by representatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Republic of Kenya.
He questioned the exclusion of Kenya’s National Oil Corporation from the deal in favor of private, shady firms.
Furthermore, Odinga demanded evidence of payment for oil in Kenyan shillings and called for the oil companies to provide proof of corporate tax compliance.
He urged the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Office of the Auditor General, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate various aspects of the deal.
Some of them included consumer rights violations, procurement processes, pricing criteria, and conflicts of interest.
Odinga emphasized that he will not rest until the truth behind the oil deal is uncovered and those responsible are held accountable.
He called for heads to roll at the Energy Ministry and National Treasury.
The public awaits the response of the mentioned institutions and hopes for a thorough investigation into the alleged corruption and collusion surrounding the controversial oil deal.
