Ruto warns ‘brokers’ as Sh2.2trillion Dangote refinery breaks ground in Lamu

President William Ruto has warned political and business interests against frustrating the planned Sh2.2 trillion Dangote oil refinery in Lamu, saying the Government will protect the mega investment from individuals seeking to derail it.

Ruto spoke today, Tuesday, September 29, 2026 in Kilifi, a day before he is scheduled to lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the East Africa Refinery, a 700,000-barrel-per-day facility backed by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote.

The president accused unnamed “brokers” of attempting to frustrate the project through demands for shares and other conditions, warning that the Government would not allow a repeat of past investment setbacks.

“I want to tell those people, you cannot defraud us all the time. Because of these shares brokers, Kenya lost investors,” Ruto said.

He cited Dangote’s earlier attempt to establish a cement factory in Kenya in 2013, which stalled amid what he described as bureaucratic hurdles, corruption demands and difficulties in securing limestone.

“He (Dangote) was taken round with demands until he went elsewhere,” Ruto said.

The President also referred to Uganda’s decision to abandon a proposed crude oil export pipeline through Kenya in favour of the Tanzania route, blaming unnamed intermediaries for frustrating the investment.

“These same scammers took Uganda in circles until Uganda took the pipeline to Tanzania. The same brokers are now thinking they will frustrate Dangote. I want to tell you, niko macho mbaya sana. Hapa, hamtoboi bwana,” he said.

Ruto said the government would ensure the refinery investment was structured transparently, with the State taking a stake and ordinary Kenyans given an opportunity to acquire shares through the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

“Investment ya refinery is an open, transparent investment. The government will have a stake at the refinery. Kenyans will too have an opportunity to buy shares in a very open and transparent manner at the Nairobi Securities Exchange,” he said.

The President’s remarks come against the backdrop of a legal dispute over land earmarked for the refinery.

The Malindi Environment and Land Court on September 25, 2026 ordered parties to maintain the prevailing status quo on the disputed land until October 14, when an application filed by Lamu residents will be heard.

The case was filed by 133 residents of Chandavai, who claim the land is part of their ancestral heritage and that their families have lived and farmed there for generations.

While the order restricts activities on the disputed site pending the hearing, it did not stop the planned groundbreaking ceremony.

Dangote Group confirmed that the court ruling would not prevent Wednesday’s ceremony, although some activities at the site could be affected.

“The court has not halted the groundbreaking ceremony of the refinery at this stage. However, activities at the site may be affected by the ruling as both parties are required not to carry activities until the case is heard on 14th October,” the company said.

The planned refinery is expected to cost between $15 billion and $16 billion, with Dangote targeting completion by 2030.

The project is designed to mirror the 700,000-barrel-per-day Dangote refinery near Lagos, which has significantly expanded Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity and supported fuel exports.

Ruto said the Lamu investment would transform Kenya’s economy, attract billions of shillings in foreign investment and create jobs, while strengthening the Coast’s position as a major economic hub.

The project is also expected to leverage Lamu Port for cargo and marine operations. A vessel carrying about 2,930 tonnes of construction equipment for the refinery arrived at the port on Saturday.

The president urged investors to be offered incentives rather than burdensome conditions, arguing that unnecessary demands could push major investments to competing destinations.

“The investor does not want to be troubled or given conditions, he only wants incentives,” he said.

Ruto maintained that his administration would protect major investments and ensure communities in the Coast benefit from the economic opportunities expected to arise from the refinery.

“I will not allow you to undermine investments in our country. You have had enough,” he said.