Eekvjxaafog6oa15x9l2xcdy2s3xdlhziegayxz0 2
SIFUNA SLAMS DANGOTE OVER REMARKS ON KENYAN COURTS
NAIROBI, KENYA — Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has strongly criticized Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote following remarks dismissive of the Kenyan judiciary over ongoing legal challenges surrounding a planned oil refinery project.
Addressing Dangote’s recent statements downplaying local litigation, Sifuna reaffirmed Kenya’s constitutional sovereignty and respect for due process.
“Aliko Dangote, you cannot speak to Kenyans like that if you want to invest in our country. Why treat our people so badly? We have our own values,” Sifuna stated, emphasizing that foreign investors must respect the rule of law and local communities.
Background to the Dangote Kenya Saga
The controversy stems from the Dangote Group’s proposed $15 billion to $16 billion crude oil refinery and power plant project planned for Lamu County, backed by President William Ruto’s administration to boost regional energy security and industrialization.
Also Read
- Netanyahu Praises ‘Heroic’ Passengers After Mid-Air Attack on Israel-Bound Flight
- BREAKING: Israeli Defense Minister Calls Flydubai Cockpit Attack an Attempted Terror Attack
- Video: Midair Crisis: Israel-Bound Flight Diverted to Saudi Arabia After Cockpit Stabbing
- Sifuna Slams Dangote Over Remarks On Kenyan Courts
- Lumakanda OCS Finally Charged with Defilement of 14-Year-Old Girl
However, the mega-project hit a legal snag when 133 residents from Chandavai, Lamu County, filed a lawsuit in the Malindi Environment and Land Court. The residents claimed the designated project site sits on their ancestral land and that development proceeded without fair consultation or compensation.
The court subsequently issued an order maintaining the status quo on the land pending an October 14 hearing. In response, Dangote brushed off the legal challenge during an investor engagement forum in Nairobi, describing the court order as “small” and “normal for us in Africa,” while adding that his team was ready for anyone causing trouble.
Dangote’s dismissive remarks sparked widespread public backlash across Kenya. Critics and leaders alike have argued that while major foreign direct investments are welcome, investors must adhere to local land rights, environmental regulations, and judicial independence rather than disregarding public concerns.
About The Author
