Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has stated that the Opposition is open to foreign investment in Kenya but insists on due process in major projects. He emphasized that Kenyans must scrutinize significant deals to ensure transparency and public value. Kalonzo made these remarks at Life Care Hospital after visiting abducted activist Collins Odhiambo. He clarified that criticism of investments should not be seen as opposition to foreign capital.
Kalonzo's comments come as the government and its allies rally behind the Sh2.2 trillion Dangote oil refinery in Lamu. President William Ruto led leaders and dignitaries at the groundbreaking ceremony. Kalonzo stressed that the Opposition welcomes investment but will not support deals that enrich a few individuals. He said Kenyans must be the primary beneficiaries of such projects.
The Lamu refinery, designed to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, is expected to drive industrial and infrastructure development around the Lamu port and the LAPSSET corridor. Nigerian billionaire investor Aliko Dangote's company is rolling out the project, which is expected to take 40 months to complete. Kalonzo acknowledged the project's potential but emphasized the need for scrutiny.
Kalonzo referenced the Lapsset project in Lamu, which was conceived during the Kibaki administration and when Raila Odinga was Prime Minister. He noted that Lamu Port has immense potential and that the Opposition remains committed to the original vision. However, he cautioned against arrangements that could benefit a small group at the expense of the country.
The Wiper leader reaffirmed the Opposition's role in playing an oversight role, citing the cancellation of the Adani Group deal involving Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company. He stated that the Opposition's objections led to the withdrawal of the alleged privatization of JKIA and Ketraco.
President Ruto has warned individuals he accuses of seeking to frustrate the Lamu refinery project. ODM leader Oburu Oginga, whose party is part of the broad-based government, also backed the refinery, urging residents of Lamu and the Coast region to reject attempts to derail the investment. Kalonzo emphasized that support for the project should be accompanied by scrutiny of its implementation and beneficiaries.
The Lamu refinery project has garnered significant attention, with some hailing it as a game-changer for Kenya's economy. Others have expressed concerns about the project's potential environmental and social impacts. As the project moves forward, stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure that it delivers on its promises and benefits the Kenyan people.
Key points
- The Opposition welcomes foreign investment but demands due process in major projects.
- The Lamu refinery is expected to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day and drive industrial and infrastructure development.
- Kalonzo emphasized the need for scrutiny of the project's implementation and beneficiaries to ensure that Kenyans are the primary beneficiaries.
