Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has fired back at President William Ruto over the newly launched Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu, asserting that the foundational groundwork for the mega-project belongs to previous national leadership.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, as the official groundbreaking ceremony took place in Mokowe, Lamu County, the former vice president tied the new facility directly to the historic Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor project initiated under the Grand Coalition government.
Credit, Heritage, and Lapsset Foundations
Musyoka rejected efforts by the current administration to claim sole credit for bringing the industrial vision to life, citing the efforts of former President Mwai Kibaki and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“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.
While insisting that the government adhere to statutory procedures, Musyoka expressed support for incoming cross-border capital, stating, “We welcome foreign direct investment. Dangote is very welcomed in Kenya.”
He also pointed out past hurdles faced by the Nigerian industrialist during previous regimes, referencing stalled attempts to establish a cement plant in Kitui County.
“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 said.
Ruto Guarantees Investor Protection
The criticism coincided with President Ruto’s public pledge to Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote that state authorities will safeguard the multi-billion-dollar energy venture from rent-seeking middlemen and political interference.
Addressing the investor directly during the groundbreaking, Ruto promised a transparent regulatory environment free from extortion or backroom deal-making.
“I want to assure you, my good brother Aliko, I know you have had a different experience before in Kenya. I want to assure you, nobody is going to extort from you anything,” Ruto said.
The president issued a stern warning against speculative litigation and public maneuvering designed to force private concessions out of the project, reiterating that state equity participation alongside public share floatation on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) will ensure broad-based local ownership.
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