CS Mbadi: Ruto has no shares in Ksh.2 trillion Dangote Lamu refinery

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the planned Dangote Lamu oil refinery, saying it is good for Kenya.

Accusing those demanding for compensation of being part of land cartels, out to defraud the government through false acquisition, the CS also defended President Ruto over claims that he has shares in the Ksh.2 trillion plant.

Responding to the latest protests by a section of Lamu residents over alleged non-compensation and lack of public participation in the planned construction of East Africa Oil Refinery plant in Lamu county, CS Mbadi dismissed the claims as “primitive politics.”

“It’s unfortunate that politics is playing out in such a serious investment...even if you are in opposition…you know what's serious and what is not,” he said.

CS Mbadi insisted that Lamu residents were part of a public participation exercise conducted by the relevant agencies ahead of the planned ground breaking on Wednesday.

The National Treasury CS accused land cartels and brokers of trying to hijack the land acquisition process

“Brokers are trying to con government...how do you ask for Ksh.30 million for a plot valued at Ksh.60,000?” Posed Mbadi.

He also refuted claims by a section of opposition leaders that President William Ruto has shares in the oil refinery.

“Ruto doesn't have any shares…you can check on Dangote Group listing...if anything 30% of shareholding will be open to the EA region…” said the CS.

CS Mbadi's affirmation followed allegations by the People’s Party of Kenya (PPK) party leader Ndindi Nyoro, who claimed that powerful individuals linked to the government were seeking shares in the refinery for personal benefit.