The Corrupt Path of KPC Boss Joe Sang: Why Does Ruto Trust Him?

In the murky world of corporate scandals, Joe Sang’s name stands out, tainted by corruption and controversy.

As the Managing Director of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), Sang has been at the center of numerous allegations of corruption, embezzlement, and abuse of office.

Despite this, President William Ruto has placed his trust in Sang, raising questions about the President’s judgment and the integrity of his administration.

Sang’s history raises serious questions: Why is a leader with such a tainted past still in a position of power?

Is this a sign of deeper issues within the administration? The public deserves answers.

The Corrupt Path of KPC Boss Joe Sang and History of Corruption Allegations

The story of Joe Sang’s alleged corruption began to unravel in 2018 when the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested him and several top managers at KPC.

Among those arrested were Company Secretary Gloria Khafafa and Head of Procurement Vincent Cheruiyot.

These arrests were part of an extensive investigation into the disappearance of fuel at the Kisumu oil jetty, a scandal that highlighted the deep-seated corruption within KPC.

DCI’s investigations revealed a loss of fuel amounting to billions of shillings, implicating Sang and his team in a massive theft operation.

The arrests marked the beginning of a series of legal battles for Sang, with the DCI conducting thorough investigations to bring the culprits to justice.

The Kisumu Oil Jetty Scandal

One of the most notable scandals under Sang’s tenure was the Kisumu Oil Jetty project.

In October 2018, DCI boss George Kinoti summoned Sang, Board Director John Ngumi, and five other officials to record statements regarding the Sh1.8 billion Kisumu oil jetty scandal.

The project, initially touted as a major infrastructure development, soon became synonymous with corruption and mismanagement.

The DCI’s investigation into the Kisumu oil jetty project exposed the misappropriation of funds, with allegations that Sang and his team engaged in the construction of an unplanned project amounting to over Ksh.1.9 billion.

They were charged with abuse of office, willful failure to comply with procurement procedures, and mismanagement of public funds.

Despite their pleas of not guilty, the evidence against them painted a grim picture of corruption and betrayal of public trust.

More Corruption Allegations

The Kisumu oil jetty scandal was just one of the many corruption allegations against Sang.

The Kenya Pipeline Company was also embroiled in a Sh48 billion pipeline enhancement project, awarded to Lebanese firm Zakheem Limited.

This project, too, was mired in allegations of fraud and corruption.

In May 2018, detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) raided the homes and offices of KPC staff, including former Managing Director Charles Tanui and General Manager of Finance Samuel Odoyo.

The raids were part of an investigation into the fraudulent supply of hydrant pit valves worth Sh647 million.

Sang faced charges of abuse of office and failure to follow proper procedures in authorizing payments for these valves.

The Corrupt Path of KPC Boss Joe Sang and The Legal Battles

The legal battles for Sang and his team were intense and prolonged. The Director of Public Prosecutions charged them in court, highlighting the misappropriation of funds during the procurement and construction of the Kisumu Oil Jetty.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, the case took a surprising turn in December 2022.

In a controversial ruling, the court acquitted Joe Sang and his co-accused, citing that the charges were ‘fatally defective.’

Magistrate Victor Wakumile noted that the project had been in KPC’s plans since 2006, long before most of the accused joined the company. T

he acquittal raised eyebrows, with many questioning the integrity of the judicial process and the influence of political connections.

Political Connections and Ruto’s Trust

Joe Sang’s tenure is marked by allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement, yet President Ruto continues to place trust in him.

Joe Sang’s acquittal came at a time when President William Ruto had just taken office.

The change in leadership brought significant changes to the DCI, with Ruto firing the competent George Kinoti and replacing him with individuals more aligned with his administration.

This move was seen by many as an attempt to protect allies and shield them from prosecution.

President Ruto’s decision to reappoint Joe Sang as the Managing Director of KPC in January 2023 further fueled suspicions of favoritism and corruption.

The appointment, which was made despite Sang’s resignation in 2018 over corruption allegations, was met with outrage from anti-corruption advocates and the public.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) filed a case challenging Sang’s reappointment, leading to a court ruling that temporarily suspended his return to KPC.

However, in April 2023, the KPC Board, led by Chairperson Faith Boinett, announced Sang’s appointment as the new Managing Director for a four-year term.

Boinett, another Kalenjin and close ally of Ruto, stated that Sang had emerged as the best candidate in the recruitment process.

The Corrupt Path of KPC Boss Joe Sang vs The Public Outcry over

The reappointment of Joe Sang as KPC’s Managing Director sparked public outrage and raised serious questions about President Ruto’s commitment to fighting corruption.

Critics argue that Ruto’s administration is more focused on protecting allies and consolidating power than addressing the rampant corruption that plagues Kenya’s public institutions.

The case of Joe Sang is emblematic of the broader challenges facing Kenya in its fight against corruption.

Despite repeated promises from political leaders to tackle corruption, individuals with tainted records continue to hold influential positions, undermining public trust and eroding the integrity of public institutions.

Conclusion

Joe Sang’s corrupt path and his controversial reappointment as the Managing Director of Kenya Pipeline Company highlight the deep-rooted challenges in Kenya’s fight against corruption.

President William Ruto’s decision to trust and reappoint Sang, despite his tainted history, raises serious questions about the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

As Kenya grapples with the consequences of corruption, it is imperative for the government to prioritize integrity and justice.

The case of Joe Sang serves as a stark reminder of the need for genuine and sustained efforts to combat corruption and restore public trust in Kenya’s institutions.