Ruto Defends Dangote Lamu Refinery Against Opposition Criticism - October 2026

President William Ruto has concluded his eight-day tour of the Coast region, using the occasion to address criticism from the opposition regarding the planned Dangote refinery in Lamu. President William Ruto has warned opposition leaders against inciting residents of Lamu to disrupt the construction of an oil refinery project linked to businessman Aliko Dangote. Ruto's allies, including National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, fiercely criticized the opposition regarding the proposed Sh2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu, defending the government's deal. However, the opposition demands the agreement governing the Dangote oil refinery project be made public. Additionally, lawyers in Kenya are cautioning that President Ruto's development projects may face legal hurdles due to insufficient public participation.