Kalonzo welcomes Dangote's oil refinery project but warns against 'shady' deals

Speaking to the press after visiting activist Collins Otieno at Life Care Hospital in Mlolongo on Wednesday, the Wiper leader called for accountability and transparency in the project to build public trust, prevent corruption and improve public sector efficiency.

"We welcome foreign direct investment. Dangote is most welcome in Kenya. I followed it when Bwana Ruto was in office as DP," Kalonzo stated.

"They frustrated Dangote, who wanted to invest in a cement factory in Kitui, but let this not be confused with what Bwana Ruto is saying. We want to get due process."

He referenced deals such as the proposed agreement to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to India's Adani Group, which was officially cancelled by the government following widespread public backlash, strikes, legal challenges, and a US indictment.

"When we objected Adani deals, he was forced to withdraw the alleged privatisation of JKIA. Kenyans must be reminded that he did not do away with SHA which was part of the Adani deals," Kalonzo added.

"The Ksh.104 billion is a fast charge on anything that SHA tries to do. They are paid in accounts in Dubai and we know these things."

Kalonzo's remarks come as President William Ruto and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote presided over the refinery's groundbreaking ceremony in Lamu, promising that the project would be complete within 40 months.

The project, once complete, will supply refined petroleum products to Kenya and neighbouring countries, helping reduce East Africa's reliance on imported fuels. It's projected to refine 700,000 barrels per day.

Both leaders expressed confidence that the refinery would demonstrate Africa's ability to undertake large-scale industrial projects using its own resources and expertise.

"I want to promise you that we will come back and commission this refinery 40 months from today...Africa cannot build lasting prosperity by exporting what we have and importing what we need," Dangote said.