President William Ruto's political allies have launched a counterattack against opposition leaders over the proposed Sh2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery. The leaders, including National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, defended the project at a youth empowerment event in Narok County. They criticized Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for demanding that the government reveal the agreement to set up the oil refinery in Lamu.
Sifuna had argued that lawmakers have not been shown the agreement or briefed on commitments Kenya has made to facilitate the project. He invoked Article 35 of the Constitution, which provides for access to information held by the State. Ichung'wah and Cheruiyot, however, accused Sifuna of attempting to frustrate a major investment. Ichung'wah challenged Sifuna to use Parliament's established procedures if he wanted access to government documents.
The Dangote refinery project, estimated to cost Sh2.2 trillion, is designed to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil a day. The government expects the project to generate jobs, stimulate supporting industries, and strengthen the Lamu Port and LAPSSET corridor. The project has raised concerns beyond politics, including land and environmental issues. Residents have filed a court case challenging aspects of the project.
A recent court ruling ordered the status quo to be maintained in a land dispute while the matter proceeds. Sifuna cited some of these concerns in arguing that Parliament and the public should understand the commitments surrounding the investment. He maintained that he is not opposed to development but wants major projects implemented within constitutional requirements.
Ichung'wah framed the dispute as an attempt by political actors to derail investment. He accused the opposition of turning every national issue into a political weapon. Ichung'wah claimed that the same forces had previously attempted to frustrate Dangote's proposed cement investment in Kenya.
National Assembly Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro and Narok Governor Patrick ole Ntutu also defended the Ruto administration and discredited Sifuna, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Osoro warned Sifuna and those supporting his position that Dangote was "above their pay cheque".
The exchange comes days after the groundbreaking of the proposed refinery in Lamu on September 30. The government has put the potential employment impact at about 60,000 jobs. KEY_POINT: The proposed Dangote refinery has sparked a political dispute in Kenya. KEY_POINT: President Ruto's allies have criticized opposition leaders over the project. KEY_POINT: The project has raised concerns beyond politics, including land and environmental issues.
