By Cyrus Ombati and Macharia Kamau
Investigation into the Sh7.6 billion oil saga should be conducted fast, Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi has said.
Emerging from the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission offices where he was questioned on the scam, Mr Kiraitu said he was not involved in the scandal.
In any case, he said, he went to the commission as a complainant and not a suspect.
"I was not involved in the scandal in any manner and I am here as a complainant. Even complainants make statements with the police," he said.
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Officers investigating the oil scandal that led to shortage of fuel and loss of the money had summoned the minister.
Kiraitu said he wanted the investigation completed so that people can stop asking questions.
"The ministry was never involved in this scandal people are talking about. I told the interrogators I have never met the Triton proprietor Yagnesh Devani," he added.
Kiraitu arrived at KACC offices at about 5.45pm and met a panel of five investigators for more than two hours.
He recorded his statement before he walked out and addressed journalists. Sources said the minister’s relationship with his interrogators was cordial.
They started by asking him at what stage he learnt there was a scandal and who informed him.
The officers indicated they may recall the minister for questioning as investigation continue.
Kiraitu told journalists he had never met Devani or his kin. He said he did not know if the investigators still need him.
Energy PS Patrick Nyoike and Devani’s wife Sonal were last Friday grilled by the commission for more than five hours.
Underhand deals
Sonal shuttled between KACC offices and her house in the company of police who picked up documents as some of her relatiuves waited.
Top Kenya Pipeline Company officials have also been questioned in connection with the scandal. Sources said prosecution over the scandal may start soon.
A warrant to arrest Devani who is in India is still in place.
The alleged underhand deals between Government officials and Triton Petroleum came to light after the oil marketer and its sister company Triton Energy were placed under receivership late last year.
It also gave a glimpse into the rot in oil sub sector. KACC has grilled several senior Ministry of Energy officials over the scam.
The Government has also fired senior officials from the Kenya Pipeline Company, among them Mr George Okungu and Mr Peter Mecha, and a number of other line managers.
A number of officials from some of the local financiers that had advanced credit to the company have also been shown the door.
