Kenya Kwanza leaders have intensified their criticism of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of supporting a section of the opposition demanding greater transparency over the Dangote oil refinery deal. This development comes days after President William Ruto criticized Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for calling for the project details to be made public, accusing him of extortion. The accusations were made in Narok, where the political debate over the Dangote Oil Refinery deal took center stage.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah led the charge, accusing a section of the opposition of acting at the behest of Uhuru Kenyatta. Ichung'wah urged them to seek project details through proper channels rather than making public demands. He cited the example of Dangote's offer to sell shares through the Nairobi Securities Exchange, giving Kenyans an opportunity to own a stake in the company. Ichung'wah emphasized that Dangote's decision to offer shares to Kenyans demonstrates his commitment to transparency.
National Assembly Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro defended Dangote, stating that his decision to offer shares through the Nairobi Securities Exchange gives Kenyans an opportunity to own a stake in the company. Osoro and Ichung'wah pushed back against calls for greater scrutiny of the refinery deal, arguing that the project is above board. They emphasized that Dangote did not come to Kenya seeking handouts or donations but rather to invest in the country.
The leaders also pointed out that Dangote announced his willingness to sell shares to Kenyans at 49 shillings per share. This, they argued, demonstrates his commitment to giving Kenyans a stake in the company. Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu echoed these sentiments, dismissing the opposition's demands as unfounded and lacking a clear agenda.
Meanwhile, Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki has issued a fresh warning to illicit alcohol sellers in the Mt. Kenya region. Kindiki stated that the government will no longer tolerate the trade, which poses a significant threat to public health. He emphasized that Kenyans must not be exposed to poison masquerading as liquor.
Kindiki's warning comes after former Deputy President and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua accused the government of slowing down the fight against illicit brews in the Mount Kenya region since his removal from office. Kindiki asserted that the government will crack down on illicit alcohol sellers, regardless of their connections or influence.
The government's efforts to tackle illicit alcohol and promote transparency in large-scale projects like the Dangote oil refinery deal are ongoing. As the debate over the project continues, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the government balances the need for transparency with the need to attract foreign investment.
Key points
- Kenya Kwanza leaders accuse Uhuru Kenyatta of backing opposition demanding transparency over Dangote oil refinery deal.
- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki warns illicit alcohol sellers in Mt. Kenya region of imminent action.
- Dangote offers shares to Kenyans through Nairobi Securities Exchange, amid opposition demands for transparency.
