William Ruto Defends Sh2.2 Trillion Dangote Refinery Deal

President William Ruto urged Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other critics to use established parliamentary procedures to access the agreement between the Kenyan government and the Dangote Group. Speaking at a rally in Shanzu, Mombasa, Ruto accused those demanding the public release of the deal of attempting to extort businessman Aliko Dangote, vowing to protect investors from such pressure.

Senator Sifuna has questioned why Parliament has not seen the agreement or been informed of the commitments Kenya made to facilitate the investment. He argued that the project must comply with the Constitution and remain subject to parliamentary oversight.

The Sh2.2 trillion refinery in Lamu County was launched on September 30, 2026. It is designed to process 700,000 barrels of crude daily for the East African market and is projected to create 60,000 jobs. While Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir pledged cooperation to ensure community benefits, the project faces opposition from residents over land ownership, compensation, and environmental concerns, which have led to a court case.