Editor's Review

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has stepped up his criticism of President William Ruto over the government's handling of documents concerning the Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has stepped up his criticism of President William Ruto over the government's handling of documents concerning the construction of the Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu.

In an update on Wednesday, October 7, Sifuna accused the administration of blocking efforts to access information through Parliament.

"The reason Ruto speaks confidently in rallies telling us to use 'formal channels' to get documents held by the state is he knows his gatekeepers in Parliament will never approve this business to make it to the floor," he wrote.

Sifuna argued that Ruto's calls for Kenyans to use formal channels to obtain government documents were undermined by what he described as resistance within Parliament.

He said the proposed Lamu refinery had faced a similar setback after efforts to obtain detailed information on the project through the Senate.

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"This one on the Lamu Refinery has suffered the same fate. We must uproot this entire system in 2027 to rescue our country," he added.

Sifuna had on Friday, October 2, written to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi seeking a statement from the Standing Committee on Energy regarding the proposed construction of the refinery.

In his letter, the Nairobi Senator said he supported development and foreign investment but insisted that major infrastructure projects must be undertaken within the law.

File image of Aliko Dangote and President William Ruto during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery

Sifuna argued that the Lamu refinery must comply with the constitutional principles of transparency, accountability, public participation and sustainable development, as well as environmental sustainability and public finance management.

He further cited Articles 201 and 227 of the Constitution, which require transparency and disclosure of project information, contracting processes and financial dealings to promote accountability and prevent corruption.

Sifuna said the government should make key details of the refinery available to the public before construction begins.

"Touted as one of the biggest projects under the current administration, it is imperative that details of the refinery in Lamu, including financial models, impact on community, level of investment by government, public participation and environmental impact, be made available to the nation, before the project can commence," he wrote.

Sifuna demanded the Energy Committee to produce all records relating to the refinery project in Lamu, citing Article 35(3) of the Constitution.

He also wanted the committee to provide details of public participation undertaken before approval of the project, including concerns raised by affected communities.

Sifuna further sought details of the project’s financing and implementation model, including the amount Kenyan taxpayers will contribute and the source of funds for the government allocation.

He also wanted the committee to provide a value-for-money analysis for any investment made on behalf of taxpayers as justification for the expenditure.

Sifuna also called for the disclosure of all beneficial owners of the overall project and the firms involved in its implementation.