KEBS CEO Esther Ngari Urged To Resign Over Imported Edible Oil Saga
Anthony Kibagendi, the Member of Parliament for Kitutu Chache South, has insisted that Esther Ngari, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Bureau of Standards, should promptly step down due to her conflicting statements regarding a shipment of cooking oils involved in a safety controversy.
The most recent development follows a growing controversy concerning 125,000 metric tonnes of edible oil worth Ksh.16.5 billion that were acquired in June 2023.
The legislator alleged that the CEO succumbed to intimidation and conducted clandestine discussions to change her original choice. He made these remarks during an interview on Citizen TV’s Day Break show on Thursday.
“The other day, they told us that the imported edible oils were unfit for human consumption, but she went back on her word after backdoor meetings and threats,” Kibagaendi said.
The heated argument about the safety of the newly imported edible oils for human consumption has caused concern following KEBS’ assurance that the oil is safe, emphasizing that Vitamin A and insoluble impurities are not part of the health assessment criteria.
“She went on to say sorry the edible oils are now fit for human consumption. They are cutting deals everywhere and that is what Cs are doing, PS are doing, including everyone else in government,” Kibagendi said.
Kibagendi went on to say that the rot in the public system is widespread and extends all the way to the presidency.
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“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, “ he asserted.
On September 5th, KEBS notified the CEO of Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) that the edible oil was not suitable for human consumption.
“The consignments have been rejected and the importer is hereby advised to reship them back to the country of origin within 30 days from the date of this letter, failure to which they shall be destroyed at the importer’s cost.
On November 6, KEBS issued an announcement affirming that the edible oils had complied with the health and safety criteria outlined in the relevant Kenya Standard.
”As regards the edible oil, KEBS sampled, re-inspected, and tested the edible oils imported by Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC). From the tests done, the edible oil complied with all the health and safety parameters of the applicable Kenya Standard (KS EAS 769: 2019),” stated KEBS.
KEBS CEO Esther Ngari Urged To Resign Over Imported Edible Oil Saga
