The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Board (Epra) board has been split down in the middle following a stormy war among members after CEO Pavel Oimeke (now suspended) was arrested last week for demanding a Sh200,000 bribe to reopen a petrol station.
The meeting held on Monday morning saw board members raise questions whether Mr Oimeke should be kicked out or allowed back to work and approve new fuel prices for the month to January 15.
As of Monday evening a section of the board had settled one of the members, Daniel Kiptoo to take over from Oimeke in an acting capacity.
The Board chairman Jackton Ojwang said facts on the ethical status of the DG as well as the official statement by the EACC sealed Oimeke’s fate.
The tainted Oimeke was back at the EPRA offices after he was released on a Sh20,000 bond after he spent Thursday night in police cells.
A section of the board members want the embattled Oimeke to keep off EPRA premises since he can interfere with investigations but his sycophants argue that he can remain in office since he has not been charged in court.
Pavel Oimeke was demanding Sh200,000 to approve the reopening of a petrol station in Oyugis that had been shut down over tax evasion allegations.
“He was held the entire Friday as we gathered more evidence to complete his file. We have since forwarded the file to the DPP’s office. Once he takes a plea, he will not be allowed in the office,” EACC spokesperson Mr Yassin Amaro said.
EPRA boss was arrested on Thursday after he fell on the EACC trap by receiving a Sh200,000 bribe after a complaint filed by an employee of a filling station.
The petrol station was closed by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) after it was found selling fuel that is meant for export and fined Sh309, 842.00 by the taxman but were issued with a clearance letter by Oimeke to reopen.
The man who now lives in court corridors and police cells had returned to office after a two-month court battle after a petition was filed to oppose his reappointment for a second term in office.
EPRA has been incurring massive losses due to spillages, installation of faulty meters, abuse of office and piling legal suits by former employees who were dismissed for pointing out Oimeke’s mismanagement of resources.
