The latest developments in Kenya’s fuel import scandal show that Mombasa businessman Mohamed Jaffer is still in India, while investigators continue to wait for his return.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations want to record his statement as part of an ongoing probe into how a large fuel shipment entered the country.
His sons, Mutara Mohamed Jaffer, Ali Abbas Jaffer, and Mohamed Husein Jaffer, have already appeared before investigators and provided their statements, marking an important step in the inquiry.
The case revolves around a shipment of about 60,000 tonnes of super petrol that was imported by One Petroleum Limited, a company linked to the Jaffer family.
The government later ordered that the fuel be removed from the local market after concerns were raised about how it was brought into the country. Officials noted that the import did not follow the usual government-to-government system that Kenya relies on for most of its fuel supplies.
There were also concerns about the pricing of the shipment, with reports suggesting it was significantly higher than what is normally paid under standard arrangements.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi stated that allowing the fuel into the system would have pushed pump prices up by around 14 shillings per litre.
This would have added pressure on Kenyans who are already dealing with high transport and living costs.
As a result, the government moved quickly to stop the fuel from being distributed.
Attention has also turned to the role of regulators and officials in the energy sector. Several senior figures have been arrested and questioned over how the import was approved and handled.
These include key officials responsible for overseeing petroleum supply and regulation. Investigators are now widening their focus to include private companies and individuals linked to the deal, as they try to understand the full chain of decisions.
There are also concerns about the quality of the fuel. Reports indicate that tests raised questions about high sulphur levels, which could make the fuel unsuitable for use.
A quality assurance manager at the Kenya Pipeline Company is said to have flagged the shipment after identifying possible issues during testing.
The situation has drawn strong public interest, with many people questioning how such a large shipment could enter the country without proper checks.
Some argue that responsibility should not only fall on business people but also on those who approved the process. Others point out that fuel imports involve multiple agencies, meaning accountability should be shared across the system.
Mohamed Jaffer is a well-known figure in Mombasa’s business circles, with interests in logistics, petroleum, and trade. His companies have played a role in handling goods through the port for many years.
This background has placed him at the centre of the current investigation.The fuel import came at a time when the country was facing supply concerns linked to global disruptions.
Emergency imports were allowed to prevent shortages, but critics say this created room for costly deals that may not have followed standard procedures.
His sons have already cooperated with authorities, and more details are expected to emerge as the probe continues.
For many Kenyans, the outcome of this investigation matters because fuel prices affect daily life in many ways. The hope is that the process will bring clarity and help improve how fuel imports are managed in the future.
