He emphasised that the Cabinet Secretary serves as the overall leader of the ministry and reports directly to the President, making the position central to oversight and accountability within the sector.
Khalwale alleged that Wandayi either knew or ought to have known about the reported diversion of condemned fuel valued at Sh4 billion into the local market.
He claimed that the matter raises serious questions about leadership and responsibility within the ministry.
“He knew or aught to have known the diversion of condemned fuel worth Sh 4 billion, by those 3 thieves, into the Kenyan market,” Khalwale said.
The senator argued that if the Cabinet Secretary had knowledge of the alleged diversion, then legal action should be taken against him. “If he knew he must be arrested immediately for criminal culpability,” he stated.
At the same time, Khalwale maintained that a lack of knowledge would not absolve the Cabinet Secretary of responsibility, but instead point to a failure in leadership.
“If he didn't know he must immediately take political responsibility and resign or be sacked for cross incompetence,” he added.
Khalwale further called on the President to take decisive action, warning that failure to do so would necessitate intervention by Parliament.
He suggested that the National Assembly has a constitutional mandate to hold Cabinet Secretaries accountable, including through impeachment where necessary.
“If the President fails to sack him because of shenanigans of broad-based government, the National Assembly must then exercise its constitutional mandate and impeach him,” Khalwale said.
The allegations come amid heightened scrutiny of the energy sector, particularly regarding the handling and distribution of fuel products.
Concerns over the circulation of substandard or condemned fuel have previously raised alarm among consumers and industry stakeholders, given the potential risks to engines, machinery and the broader economy.