KILIFI, Kenya — President William Ruto has warned individuals he described as “brokers” against interfering with the planned construction of the proposed Sh2.2 trillion to Sh2.9 trillion Dangote refinery in Lamu.
Ruto said some individuals were attempting to frustrate the project after allegedly failing to secure opportunities to invest in the refinery through the purchase of shares.
“I want to tell you (broker), niko macho mbaya sana. Hapa, hamtoboi bwana,” Ruto said on Tuesday while speaking in Kilifi.
His remarks came days after the Malindi Environment and Land Court issued an interim order requiring parties to maintain the prevailing status quo on a disputed parcel earmarked for the refinery until October 14, 2026.
The case was filed by 133 residents of Chandavai, who say the land is ancestral property that their families have occupied and cultivated for generations. The residents have raised concerns over land acquisition, compensation and other issues surrounding the proposed development.
Ruto Links Dispute To Previous Projects
The President said Kenya had previously lost potential investments because of what he described as interference by brokers and demands placed on investors.
He cited Dangote’s earlier attempt to establish a cement factory in Kenya, saying the project stalled after the investor encountered bureaucratic hurdles and alleged demands.
“He (Dangote) was taken round with demands until he went elsewhere,” Ruto said.
Ruto also referred to Uganda’s decision to build its crude oil export pipeline through Tanzania rather than Kenya, arguing that similar interests had contributed to the project not proceeding through Kenya.
“These same scammers took Uganda in circles until Uganda took the pipeline to Tanzania,” he said.
Court Maintains Status Quo
The Malindi Environment and Land Court did not grant the residents’ request to stop the planned refinery groundbreaking.
Justice Jane Onyango directed that the prevailing status quo on LR No. 13061 in the Hindi/Manda Magogoni area be maintained until the matter is heard inter partes on October 14.
The respondents were given 14 days to file their responses. The court also declined to certify the application as urgent.
The dispute involves the residents’ claims over occupation and alleged ancestral interests in the land, as well as concerns relating to acquisition, compensation and environmental requirements.
Dangote Says Groundbreaking Will Proceed
Dangote Group has said the court order will not stop the planned groundbreaking ceremony for the 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery, scheduled for September 30.
However, the company acknowledged that activities at the site could be affected by the order requiring the parties to maintain the status quo pending the October 14 hearing.
Preparations for the project have continued, with 2,930 metric tonnes of heavy construction machinery arriving at the Port of Lamu on September 26 ahead of the planned groundbreaking.
$15 Billion Refinery Planned
Dangote has said the Lamu refinery will cost between $15 billion and $16 billion and is expected to be completed by 2030.
The proposed facility is designed to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, placing it among the largest planned industrial projects in Kenya.
