President William Ruto has said the Dangote Lamu refinery project will proceed despite court orders and opposition from some residents in Lamu.
Ruto accused what he described as “disgruntled opposition sponsors” of attempting to undermine the proposed investment by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote.
Speaking during his tour of Kilifi and Kwale counties on Tuesday, the President defended Dangote’s planned KSh2 trillion investment in the refinery.
Ruto said he would not allow what he described as another attempt to “sabotage” investors in Kenya.
Ruto responds to Lamu refinery protests
The President was responding to demonstrations by residents of Chandavai in Lamu.
The residents have opposed the planned groundbreaking of the refinery and are demanding compensation for the 7,000-acre piece of land earmarked for the project.
Ruto accused the residents and their supporters of using court cases and public statements to frustrate the investment.
“Nimewaona wakijaribu maneno kwa mitandao, kwa press conference. Nyinyi ndiyo mmepeleka hiyo kesi kortini. You are the sponsors of the court cases,” Ruto said.
He accused the group of opposing the investment because they had not received what they wanted from the project.
Ruto rejects claims over refinery shares
Ruto also criticised people he described as “brokers” seeking shares in the project.
He said Kenyans would have an opportunity to buy shares in the company through a transparent process.
“Wakenya wote watapata nafasi ya kununua hisa kwa hiyo kampuni. Transparently,” the President said.
Ruto also compared the situation to ownership of Kenya Power, saying no group should claim exclusive rights to shares in the proposed refinery company.
President defends Dangote
Ruto further defended Dangote against claims that Kenya had previously frustrated his investment plans.
The President said Dangote had previously sought to establish a cement company in Kenya but eventually invested elsewhere after facing what he described as restrictive conditions.
“Huyo Dangote alitaka kuweka kampuni ya simiti, akazungushwa na mambo ya masharti mpaka akaenda kwingine,” Ruto said.
He also referred to the regional oil pipeline debate.
Ruto claimed Uganda had initially considered a pipeline route through Kenya before the project eventually moved towards Tanzania.
Ruto says refinery will proceed
The President maintained that the Lamu refinery project would proceed despite ongoing court proceedings.
“Ndiyo hawa wanafikiri watamzungusha Dangote. Mimi nawaambia niko macho,” he said.
Ruto also said Kenya expects foreign direct investment worth between US$6 billion and US$7 billion.
He argued that investors require incentives rather than what he described as unnecessary conditions.
“Foreign direct investment itafika between USD 6-7 billion. Mwekezaji hataki masharti, anataka incentives,” he said.
Dangote refinery investment
Dangote has pledged to invest KSh2 trillion in the proposed Lamu refinery.
The project is expected to become a major refining investment for Dangote Group outside Nigeria.
The proposed refinery is also expected to serve Kenya and other markets in the region.
However, opposition from some Lamu residents has created a legal and community dispute over land acquisition, compensation and possible displacement.
More than 130 residents of Chandavai have reportedly moved to court to challenge the development.
Ruto launches electrification project
During his tour of the Coast region, Ruto also launched several development projects.
Among them was the flagging off of electrification materials for Chungani Village in Msambweni Constituency.
The electrification project is being implemented by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).
The projects came as the government continued its development activities across Kilifi and Kwale counties.
