Trade Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya is being investigated for ordering the release of edible oil worth Sh10 billion which had been seized for the last one year.
The oil had been impounded due to lack of fortification of Vitamin C.
However, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) wrote to the importer -M/S Maybros Limited - directing them to release the oil as CS Munya had ordered.
“Reference is made to the letter ref. MOT/ADM/1/43/VOL XXXVI dated August, 1 2019 from the Ministry of Trade on the approval of waiver of fortification requirements under (KEAS 769:2014) for impounded edible oil consignment, the CS has granted you waiver,” reads part of the letter.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) questioned whether the oil will be released directly to the markets or whether it will be taken to companies for further processing.
“Kenyans should be informed that the product released lacks vitamin A which is a requisite requirement in importing it," said DCI boss George Kinoti.
“Why should we release substandard goods without any attached condition?” he asked.
“I will not hesitate to invite the CS for questioning. The same will apply to other officials,” stated Kinoti.
However, he has not revealed whether he will block the commodity from being released or not.