Reject noise from agents of poverty who want to derail Dangote project - Oburu

Speaking ahead of the project's groundbreaking on Wednesday, Oburu said the 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery is a gateway to Kenya's economic growth and dominance as a continental powerhouse.

"I view this historic project as a structural revolution that will permanently rewrite the economic destiny of Lamu County and the entire coastal region," he said.

He however stated that attempts to block the move are a weaponised move by "agents of poverty" who seek to tie the region in abject regression.

He pleaded with area residents to welcome the investment, saying they will be the main beneficiaries of the large-scale project.

"We have historical experience with naysayers who oppose progress only to leave our youth jobless and our region marginalized. I urge the local community to rise up as the primary guardians of this investment," he said.

"Do not allow anyone to weaponize propaganda or introduce manufactured friction to scare away a Ksh2.2 trillion lifeline that will build your economy. Reject the noise, embrace the work, and let us build Lamu together." 

The project is facing local opposition and land-rights lawsuits from residents claiming displacement and property destruction tied to preliminary site developments.

Over 130 residents of Chandavai in Lamu County have moved to court seeking to stop what they describe as the unlawful takeover and destruction of land their families have occupied and cultivated for generations.

They contend that the development threatens to displace them without a resettlement plan or compensation.

President William Ruto has maintained the project will proceed despite court orders and resistance, accusing “disgruntled opposition sponsors” of attempting to undermine the investment.