Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has challenged President William Ruto over the ownership of the Lamu refinery project, insisting that its foundations were laid during the administration of former President Mwai Kibaki.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 30, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dangote East Africa Refinery in Mokowe, Lamu County, Kalonzo said he, Kibaki and the late Raila Odinga played key roles in establishing the wider Lamu development project.
Kalonzo linked the refinery investment to the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor, arguing that the current administration should recognise the contributions of previous governments.
“Kibaki, Raila and I are the ones who founded the Lamu project. At the time we found the LAPSSET project in Lamu, not you. Dangote Refinery is not yours!” Kalonzo said.
The former Vice President welcomed Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s investment in Kenya but insisted that the project must follow the required procedures.
He also recalled Dangote’s earlier attempt to establish a cement factory in Kitui, claiming that the investment faced opposition during the Jubilee administration, when Ruto was Deputy President.
“I followed it when Ruto was the Deputy President. They frustrated Dangote when he wanted to invest in a cement factory in Kitui. But let this not be confused with what Ruto is saying. We just want to get due process,” he added.
Kalonzo’s remarks came as Ruto assured Dangote that his government would protect the refinery project from interference and extortion.
The President warned individuals seeking private deals with the investor, promising transparency in the project’s ownership and announcing plans for the government to acquire a stake, alongside an opportunity for Kenyans to purchase shares through the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
The refinery, estimated to cost approximately KSh2 trillion, is expected to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily and create up to 60,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The project is also expected to generate up to 1,000 megawatts of electricity and supply petroleum products to Kenya and neighbouring countries.
Kalonzo maintained that while the Dangote investment was welcome, the history of the Lamu project should be recognised and the refinery developed in accordance with the law.