"When all is said and done, when all is said and done, in the final analysis, clearly, there is no reason stopping me from discharging my duties as Cabinet Secretary," Wandayi told the committee.
The CS maintained that due process must be allowed to take its course, noting that conclusions should only be drawn once investigations are complete.
He said stepping aside without sufficient cause would not only be premature but could also set a bad precedent in public service.
Addressing concerns around the alleged fuel irregularities, Wandayi pointed to procedural lapses in the handling of the matter, indicating that any deviation from established processes would have required formal approval from higher authorities within the ministry.
“In short, this deviation would have required higher approval. The approval was not sought, and if it had been sought, I would have acted on it and escalated the matter to the President,” Wandayi told the committee.
His remarks come amid growing scrutiny from lawmakers and the public, with questions being raised about accountability and oversight within the energy sector.
The alleged distribution of substandard fuel has sparked concern over consumer protection, potential damage to vehicles, and broader implications for regulatory enforcement.
Committee members pressed the CS to explain the chain of responsibility and the safeguards in place to prevent such incidents.
In response, Wandayi reiterated that systems exist within the ministry and relevant agencies to ensure compliance, but acknowledged that any breach must be thoroughly investigated and addressed.
He emphasized that his office had not received any formal request for approval regarding the alleged deviation, distancing himself from direct involvement in the matter under investigation.
At the same time, he assured the committee of his willingness to cooperate fully with investigators and provide any information required.