Kenya Kwanza leaders accuse Uhuru of backing opposition over Dangote deal

Kenya Kwanza leaders have stepped up their criticism of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of backing a section of the opposition that is demanding greater transparency over the Dangote oil refinery deal.

The remarks come days after President William Ruto criticised Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for calling for the details of the project to be made public, accusing him of extortion.

Meanwhile, Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki has issued a fresh warning to illicit alcohol sellers in the Mt. Kenya region, saying the government will no longer tolerate the trade.

In Narok, the political sparring over the Dangote Oil Refinery deal took centre stage, with Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah accusing a section of the opposition of acting at the behest of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and urging them to seek the project details through the proper channels.

“Huyo sponsor mwenye aliambia Dangote hawezi kujenga factory ya simiti Kenya kama familia yao hawajapewa shareholding kwa kampuni ya Dangote, ndio leo anatuma hao watu ana sponsor, ati waitishe agreement aone kama kuna mwenye amepewa hisa kwa hiyo refinery ya Lamu,” said Ichung’wa.

National Assembly Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro added, “Maneno ya Dangote is above your pay check, Dangote hakuji kuomba pesa Kenya hii, Dangote hakuja na basin kuzunguka kwa rallies kusema watu niwekee hamsini, mwanaume amejipanga analeta pesa yake.”

The leaders defended Dangote, saying his decision to offer shares through the Nairobi Securities Exchange gives Kenyans an opportunity to own a stake in the company, as they pushed back against calls for greater scrutiny of the refinery deal.

“Dangote amefanya mkutano kwa Nairobi Stock Exchange Tuesday hii, na akasema ako tayari kuuza hisa kwa Wakenya kwa shilingi arubaini na tisa kwa kila hisa, Mkenya yeyote anataka hisa kwa hiyo kampuni anaweza kununua,” said Ichung’wa.

“Hawana plan, hawana akili, hawana agenda, wanaembea tu bure,” added Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu.

Elsewhere in Limuru, Kiambu County, Kindiki has renewed the government’s crackdown on illicit alcohol in the Mount Kenya region.

Kindiki warned that no one will be spared, saying Kenyans must not be exposed to poison masquerading as liquor.

“Na wale wengine ambao wanafanya mambo yao hata hawana kiwanda, wanatafuta pombe wanaweka kemikali, wanawaletea wananchi, your days are numbered, we're coming for you,” stated Kindiki.

This comes after former Deputy President and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua accused the government of slowing down the fight against illicit brews in the Mount Kenya region since his removal from office.