Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has strongly dismissed allegations made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua concerning the government's crackdown on illegal Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) trade. Wandayi accused Gachagua of politicizing a matter primarily aimed at public safety and regulatory compliance.
Gachagua's Allegations and Government Response
In recent statements, Gachagua claimed that the crackdown on illegal LPG refilling and trading was overly aggressive or perhaps politically motivated. However, CS Wandayi clarified that the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), in collaboration with security agencies, is actively enforcing regulations to prevent illegal LPG activities and ensure public safety.
Wandayi emphasized that the government’s actions are within the law and are necessary for protecting citizens from the dangers of unregulated LPG refilling, which has been linked to accidents and fatalities. He urged the public to focus on safety and adherence to national regulations rather than political accusations.
The government has issued multiple statements reassuring its commitment to legal LPG trading and has vowed to intensify its crackdown against illegal activities. This move is part of a broader initiative to regulate the energy sector and protect consumers.
Reacting to Gachagua’s claims, Wandayi reiterated the importance of separate political debates from regulatory enforcement, especially concerning public safety issues like the illegal LPG trade. He called on political leaders to support efforts aimed at safeguarding lives and property rather than politicizing regulatory processes.
