The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Oburu Oginga on Tuesday April 7, 2026 expressed “profound outrage” over the unfolding petroleum scandal, calling for a full and impartial fight against graft while commending the government for the swift probe.

In a statement, Oburu described the petroleum scandal as a reflection of the entrenched culture of impunity and exploitation of public resources that continues to undermine national progress.

The party leader noted that at a time when Kenyans are grappling with a high cost of living, any abuse of the petroleum sector, so central to the economy and daily life, is both unacceptable and deeply offensive to the public conscience.

Despite its outrage, ODM commended investigative authorities for their swift action, stating that such promptness sends a strong signal that the era of complacency in the face of corruption must come to an end.

“The era of complacency in the face of corruption must come to an end. Every public officer found culpable, regardless of rank, office, or political persuasion, must be held fully accountable,” Oburu said.

The party also praised President Ruto for ensuring that investigations proceed in a professional, expeditious, and transparent manner, free from interference or favouritism.

“These cartels in the energy sector will not be allowed to operate freely. They will not escape accountability,” he said.

ODM was categorical that every public officer found culpable, regardless of their rank, office, or political persuasion, must be held fully accountable, adding that the fight against corruption cannot be selective; it must be comprehensive, impartial, and relentless.

The party, however, cautioned against the public targeting of Cabinet Secretaries Lee Kinyanjui (Trade) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), who it noted are not accounting officers, warning that such attempts would only derail the investigations and politicise the scam.

ODM maintained that should investigations establish their culpability, there must be no sacred cows.

“Attempts at public lynching will only derail investigations and politicize the scam,” the party said.

Oburu reiterated that the fight against corruption is a central pillar of the ODM – UDA 10-point agenda, and that the seriousness with which the administration confronts the vice will be the true measure of its commitment to integrity, accountability, and good governance.

The party concluded by reaffirming its solidarity with Kenyans, demanding justice, transparency, and the full recovery of any resources lost through the scandal.