Leadership changes have been made at Kenya Pipeline Company after the arrest of its Managing Director, Joe Sang, with the board moving swiftly to place the company’s finance general manager, Pius Mwendwa, in charge in an acting capacity as investigations linked to the energy sector continue to unfold.
In a statement released on Friday evening and signed by Board Chair Faith Boinett, the company moved to calm concerns, stating that its operations remain steady and unaffected despite the ongoing developments involving its top executive. The board said it is actively following the situation and remains in contact with relevant authorities handling the matter.
“To ensure business continuity in the intervening period, Pius Mwendwa (GM-Finance) will discharge the duties of the office of the Managing Director,” the statement read in part.
The board further indicated that it is monitoring the progress of the investigations closely and engaging with the appropriate institutions to better understand the scope of the allegations facing Sang and other officials linked to the case. It added that updates will be communicated as more details emerge.
Kenya Pipeline Acting Managing Director Pius Mwendwa (GM-Finance) speaking during the launch of an ultra-modern Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) Truck-Loading Facility at the Kenya Petroleum Refineries in Changamwe, Mombasa, November 22, 2024.
Sang’s arrest is tied to an ongoing investigation into claims surrounding the procurement and supply of fuel that is alleged to fall below required standards. The probe has also drawn in other senior officials in the energy sector, among them Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban and Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Director General Daniel Kiptoo.
Reports indicate that detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations carried out the arrests on Thursday evening, after which the suspects were taken to a police station in Nairobi for further interrogation. Authorities are now examining how fuel moves through the supply chain and whether proper procedures were followed during procurement and importation.
The investigation is also focusing on possible coordination between individuals that may have led to the entry of substandard fuel into the market. Officials say they are reviewing procurement records and operational systems to determine if there were any lapses or deliberate actions that violated established guidelines.
The matter has triggered concern among motorists, with some reporting engine issues believed to be linked to contaminated fuel. These concerns have raised questions about oversight within the sector, although the regulator has not issued a detailed response regarding the allegations.
Despite the unfolding situation, the government has sought to reassure the public that fuel supply remains stable. Authorities say current reserves of petrol, diesel, and kerosene are adequate, with additional deliveries already planned to support demand in the coming period.
Speaking on Channel Africa on Friday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said that the country has already received this month’s fuel shipment and noted that prices are expected to remain unchanged through April. He emphasized that supply chains are functioning normally.
In its statement issued on April 3, 2026, the Kenya Pipeline Company Board restated its commitment to maintaining normal operations and assured stakeholders that services will continue without disruption.
"The Board of Directors of the Kenya Pipeline Company PLC has taken note of the ongoing reports and developments affecting the Managing Director, Joe Sang and others,"
"We wish to assure our stakeholders, our shareholders and the public that KPC’s operations remain stable and unaffected. To ensure business continuity in the intervening period, Pius Mwendwa (GM-Finance) will discharge the duties of the office of the Managing Director."
The board added that it will continue to observe developments and will offer further direction as the situation progresses.
"The Board will provide further guidance in due course," said KPC.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations continues to pursue leads in the case, which has seen several individuals detained for questioning. A fourth suspect linked to the matter has also been taken into custody, although their identity has not been made public. The suspects are being held at the DCI Headquarters following their arrest by officers from the Operations Support Unit.