EPRA Boss Pavel Oimeke Replaced After Arrest

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Former EPRA Director-General Pavel Oimeke in December 14, 2020
File

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) held a crisis meeting to replace its Director-General Pavel Oimeke who was arrested on Thursday, December 10

In a statement issued on Monday, December 14, the agency announced that Daniel Kiptoo had taken over in an acting capacity. 

The changes were made owing to directives issued by Energy CS Charles Keter after Oimeke was accused of soliciting a Ksh 200,000 bribe

"The EPRA board, upon taking into account the official communication from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, as well as the pertinent facts, has taken the decision to interdict Mr Oimeke as Director-General.

File image of a petrol station
An undated image of a petrol station in Nairobi.
File

"On the recommendation of the Cabinet Secretary for Energy Mr Charles Keter, it has also appointed an acting Director-General Mr Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria whose appointment takes effect immediately," EPRA stated.

Oimeke was released by detectives on police bond as investigations commenced into the bribery allegations. 

He was accused of requesting the bribe to approve the opening of a petrol station.

The station paid a Ksh 309,842.00 to the Kenya Revenue Authority and was issued with a clearance letter, later on. 

Oimeke lost his seat three months after he was reinstated as Director-General by the EPRA board. 

In August 2020, he had been asked to step aside pending the hearing and determination of a court case contesting his appointment as director-general.

“Soon and very soon, I am returning to office at EPRA courtesy of H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i and Energy CS Charles Keter.

"What will my detractors say? I remain committed to my country Kenya and able leadership under H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta!” He bragged in August 2020. 

Ousted EPRA director-general Pavel Oimeke speaking during a previous press conference in 2019.
Former EPRA director-general Pavel Oimeke speaking during a press conference in 2019.
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