Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has warned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua against defending traders involved in illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) business.

Wandayi said the government would not give in to pressure from politicians or businesspeople seeking to protect illegal LPG operations.

The CS made the remarks after Gachagua accused the government of harassing small-scale gas dealers under the cover of enforcing regulations.

Gachagua claimed that a police unit had been targeting LPG traders and confiscating their gas cylinders in several parts of the country. He called for the unit to be disbanded and demanded action against those behind the alleged crackdown.

However, Wandayi dismissed the allegations and insisted that enforcement officers would continue pursuing businesses operating outside the law.

He warned traders involved in illegal gas activities, including unauthorised cylinder refilling, that enforcement operations would continue until the sector fully complies with the required regulations.

Wandayi further said the government would not be intimidated even if some of the traders chose to seek political protection.

The Energy CS maintained that the crackdown is aimed at protecting the public and cleaning up the LPG sector by dealing with operators who fail to meet safety and regulatory requirements.

The exchange comes amid growing political differences between Gachagua and the Kenya Kwanza administration as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua has increasingly criticised government policies and accused state agencies of unfairly targeting ordinary traders, while the government maintains that its enforcement operations are focused on protecting consumers and ensuring compliance with the law.

Wandayi has now made it clear that the government intends to push ahead with the LPG crackdown despite the political pressure.