President William Ruto has warned what he described as “brokers” against frustrating the proposed Dangote oil refinery in Lamu, as a land dispute threatens to complicate preparations for the project’s groundbreaking.
Speaking in Kilifi on Tuesday, Ruto said he would not allow individuals he accused of seeking to profit from the project to derail the investment.
“I want to tell you, niko macho mbaya sana. Hapa, hamtoboi bwana,” Ruto said, addressing those he referred to as brokers.
The proposed refinery, backed by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, is expected to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil a day. Dangote has previously put the cost of the project at between $15 billion and $16 billion, while Kenyan reports have estimated its value at up to Sh2.9 trillion.
Court dispute puts disputed land under scrutiny
Ruto’s remarks came days after the Malindi Environment and Land Court ordered parties to maintain the status quo on a disputed parcel of land in Lamu until October 14.
The case was filed by 133 residents of Chandavai, who say their families have occupied, farmed and developed parts of the land for generations. They argue that the development risks displacing residents without adequate compensation or resettlement.
Justice Jane Onyango declined to certify the application as urgent but directed that the respondents be served and allowed to respond before the matter is heard on October 14. The court did not, at this stage, grant the residents’ request to stop the planned groundbreaking.
The residents have raised concerns over alleged destruction of crops and property, land acquisition and the recognition of their interests as long-term occupants.
Ruto points to past investment setbacks
Ruto said some of the people now opposing the refinery had previously sought to benefit from the project by acquiring shares but had been unsuccessful.
He also pointed to an earlier attempt by Dangote to establish a cement factory in Kenya, saying bureaucratic obstacles and alleged demands for payments contributed to the collapse of that plan.
The President also cited Uganda’s decision to abandon plans for a crude oil pipeline through Kenya in favour of a route through Tanzania, saying Kenya had previously lost major investment opportunities because of such obstacles.
Those claims about past projects were presented by Ruto as part of his argument for protecting the Dangote investment. The current land case, however, centres on residents’ claims over property and compensation rather than the alleged actions of investors or “brokers.”
Dangote says groundbreaking can proceed
Dangote Group has said the court order will not stop the planned groundbreaking ceremony on September 30, although activities on the affected site could be restricted while the case is pending.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi also said on Tuesday that the government intended to proceed with the ceremony as planned.
The dispute comes as Kenya seeks to position Lamu as a major energy and industrial hub. Dangote has said the refinery could be completed by 2030 and would serve markets in Kenya and the wider region.
The court proceedings will now determine how the land claims are addressed as the government and Dangote Group push ahead with the project.
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