President William Ruto has responded to growing questions surrounding the Sh2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery, saying those seeking official information should follow established government and parliamentary procedures.
Speaking in Lamu on Saturday, October 3, Ruto questioned why critics were raising issues about the project at political gatherings instead of using Parliament and other formal channels to seek clarification.
His remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of the agreement between the Kenyan government and Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been among those calling for the terms and commitments surrounding the investment to be made available to lawmakers and the public, citing Article 35 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens' right to access information held by the State and requires information affecting the country to be made public.
Ruto said lawmakers wanting to examine the agreement should initiate the appropriate process within Parliament rather than expecting the government to address the matter at political rallies. He also criticised people he said were attempting to benefit from the investment without having contributed to its development, accusing some critics of seeking payments or shares linked to the refinery. He said he would not allow individuals to interfere with Dangote or other investors by demanding financial benefits from the project, questioning the basis on which such demands were being made. Ruto said any opportunities or benefits set aside for local participation should primarily go to residents of Lamu.
The remarks follow an earlier exchange between Sifuna and Dangote over the refinery, after Dangote warned he was prepared to confront anyone attempting to obstruct the project. Sifuna argued that investors operating in Kenya should be transparent about their projects and commitments, particularly where affected communities have raised concerns.
Ruto said some individuals had previously tried to pressure Dangote over the project, and defended the businessman's decision to pursue legal channels when disputes arose, arguing that any investor facing legal action would naturally be expected to defend his interests through the courts.
The Dangote East Africa Refinery was officially launched in Lamu on September 30. Dangote has put the cost of the facility at about $16 billion, roughly Sh2.2 trillion, with the planned refinery expected to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The project has drawn attention beyond Kenya because of its planned regional role, while questions continue to surface over the agreement, public participation, and the benefits expected for surrounding communities.
Separately, Thirdway Alliance leader Ekuru Aukot has also filed a request for information, seeking details of the government's contract with Dangote, ownership arrangements, and any parliamentary approvals tied to the project.
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