- MP demands KEBS CEO’s immediate resignation amid edible oil safety scandal
- Allegations of mixed signals and backdoor deals target KEBS CEO in oil controversy
- MP claims governance issues extend to presidency amid systemic rot allegations
Kitutu Chache South Member of Parliament, Anthony Kibagendi, has intensified pressure on Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Chief Executive Officer, Esther Ngari, insisting that she should resign immediately in light of a contentious scandal involving a consignment of edible oils valued at Ksh.16.5 billion.
The controversy emerged following the importation of 125,000 metric tonnes of edible oil in June 2023, raising serious safety concerns. Kibagendi, speaking on Citizen TV’s Day Break, accused the KEBS CEO of sending mixed signals and succumbing to threats, alleging backdoor meetings aimed at reversing her initial decision.
“Just the other day, they informed us that the imported edible oils were deemed unfit for human consumption, but she recanted after undisclosed meetings and threats,” asserted Kibagendi.
The lawmaker expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived inconsistency in the regulatory body’s stance on the safety of the imported edible oils.
The debate on the safety of the oils intensified after KEBS initially declared them unsuitable for human consumption on September 5th, advising the importer to reship the consignments within 30 days or face destruction at their cost. However, on November 6th, KEBS released a statement asserting that the edible oils met health and safety parameters according to the applicable Kenya Standard.
Kibagendi questioned the integrity of the regulatory process, stating, “They are cutting deals everywhere, and that is what Cs are doing, PS are doing, including everyone else in government.”
The MP went further to assert that the corruption and integrity challenges extend throughout the public system, reaching up to the presidency.
“It rots from the head. When the head is not giving direction and demonstrating integrity, hard work, and a spirit of transformation in this country, then the rest of the body follows suit,” claimed Kibagendi, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms to address systemic issues.
The demand for Ngari’s resignation underscores the gravity of the situation and raises questions about the efficacy of regulatory processes in ensuring the safety of consumable goods within the country. As the controversy unfolds, it brings to the forefront broader concerns about governance, transparency, and accountability within Kenya’s regulatory framework.
