President William Ruto has vowed to protect investors in Kenya from what he described as harassment, intimidation and extortion, as he defended the planned construction of the Ksh2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu.
Addressing residents in Lamu on Saturday, Ruto accused individuals he described as “brokers, extortionists and swindlers” of attempting to frustrate major government projects through court cases and demands for payments or benefits.
His remarks came days after Kenya and Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote broke ground for the $16 billion refinery at Lamu Port. The facility is planned to have a processing capacity of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day and is expected to serve Kenya and wider regional markets.
Ruto maintained that the refinery would proceed despite opposition and legal challenges, drawing parallels with court cases that have previously targeted other government projects.
“You are the ones sponsoring all these court cases attempting to block our work in Lamu. You filed cases against SHA, social housing, the Rironi-Mau Summit road, land titling, and now the Lamu oil refinery,” he stated.
“Just as you failed to stop housing, healthcare, and road expansion, you will fail here—the Lamu refinery will move forward.”
The President accused unnamed individuals of using disputes surrounding development projects to seek private financial gains from investors.
“I see you asking endless questions, and we know exactly where those motives originate. You are brokers, extortionists, and swindlers trying to reap where you never sowed,” Ruto declared.
He maintained that Kenya had previously allowed investors to face harassment, but insisted that his administration would not tolerate such practices.
“We used to allow investors to be harassed in the past, but I will never permit you to intimidate them or demand unearned payouts and shares,” he stated.
Ruto, however, maintained that any benefits arising from the refinery should reach residents rather than individuals seeking private deals.
“If any shares or benefits are to be given, they will go directly to the people of Lamu, not to extortionists,” he added.
A group of Lamu residents has challenged aspects of the project in court, raising questions around land ownership, compensation and public participation. A consumer-rights group also filed a legal challenge citing concerns over transparency.
Ruto urged residents to avoid divisions over the project, insisting that Lamu had become home to people from different parts of the country.
“I urge the people of Lamu to live as brothers and sisters and reject the cheap politics of tribal division, as Lamu is now home to everyone from wherever they came,” he stated.
He also announced that a standing committee bringing together the national government, county government and local residents would oversee ongoing refinery-related work.
According to Ruto, the committee would help ensure transparency and proper planning as the project progresses.
“Today is an important day, and I assure you that all ongoing refinery work will be managed by a standing committee of the national government, county government, and local citizens to ensure transparency and proper planning for Kenya’s progress,” he said.
Ruto also linked the refinery investment to planned housing and employment opportunities in Lamu.
He said the government had allocated Sh7.5 billion to build 3,000 housing units, which would accommodate people expected to move to the area for work and other economic activities.
The refinery itself is expected to generate thousands of jobs, with the President previously putting the figure at about 60,000. The project is also expected to support industrial development around Lamu Port and the wider LAPSSET corridor.
Ruto also used his address to highlight his administration’s land-titling programme, telling residents that those who had not received their documents would get them without paying for the process.
“I have made it clear that every citizen must secure their land rights without paying a single shilling,” he stated.
He linked the programme to efforts to address historical land injustices that have affected coastal communities for generations.
“Today, as you leave this place, know that where you live belongs to you, and no government will ever come to snatch away your land again—it is yours to live on with your family and children,” Ruto added.
The President further pledged that the government would issue 500,000 title deeds before December as part of efforts to tackle squatter settlements across the Coast.
He also highlighted road projects in Lamu, including the Lamu-Garissa road, where he said 100 kilometres had been completed, with another 50 kilometres remaining before the road is extended towards Isiolo.
At Kizingitini, Ruto announced that construction crews were working through the logistical challenges associated with the island location, with tarmacking expected to reach the area in October.
The President maintained that the refinery, roads, housing and land reforms formed part of a wider development programme intended to integrate Lamu more closely into Kenya’s economy.
“We cannot afford to go backward; we are looking ahead, and with God’s grace, Lamu and Kenya will transform for the benefit of all citizens,” he stated.