LAMU, Kenya — Protests have erupted in Lamu as residents opposed to the proposed Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery demand compensation and other assurances ahead of the planned groundbreaking on Wednesday, September 30.
Demonstrators gathered on Tuesday, September 29, amid growing tensions over land rights, compensation, community participation and environmental concerns linked to the Sh2 trillion project.
Police were deployed to the area as the demonstrations unfolded, with tear gas reportedly used to disperse protesters after confrontations with officers.
Residents also alleged that police fired shots into the air while attempting to control the crowds. The circumstances surrounding the reported use of firearms could not immediately be independently established.
One protester, identified as Benson Kukuyama, was reportedly arrested during the demonstrations.
Protest Follows Court Battle Over Refinery Land
The demonstrations come a day after the Malindi Environment and Land Court declined to certify as urgent an application by residents seeking to stop the planned refinery groundbreaking and development.
Justice Jane Onyango directed the parties to maintain the status quo on disputed land, identified as Land Reference No. 13061 in the Hindi/Manda Magogoni area, until October 14, when the case is scheduled to be heard inter partes.
The court did not grant the residents’ request to stop the September 30 groundbreaking.
The ruling followed an application by 133 residents of Chandavai who are challenging the project on land they describe as ancestral property.
Residents Demand Compensation
The residents say they have occupied, cultivated and developed portions of the disputed land for generations.
In their court papers, they said the land is used for farming and livestock keeping and contains homes, mosques, shrines and family graves.
They have also raised concerns over compensation and the absence of what they consider an adequate resettlement plan for families affected by the development.
The residents have maintained that they are not opposed to development but want their land rights and claims addressed before the project proceeds.
Groundbreaking Remains Scheduled
The planned refinery, backed by Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote, is expected to have a processing capacity of up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
The September 30 groundbreaking is expected to proceed despite the ongoing legal dispute. Dangote Group has said the court ruling will not disrupt the official groundbreaking ceremony, although it could affect some activities at the project site.
The land dispute is scheduled to return before the Environment and Land Court on October 14, when the respondents will have an opportunity to respond to the residents’ application.
This is a developing story, more to follow…
